Students returning to one Bay area school have something big be proud of this year. 

  • Spring Hill Elementary School goes from D to A in 2 years
  • Changing the culture at school contributed to their success

Spring Hill Elementary School went from a “D” grade all the way to an “A” – in just two years.

Principal Michael Maine says it shows the hard work of his staff, teachers, parents, and students.

“For schools to go up letter grades given what we’re up against is very difficult,” Maine said.

Maine came to Spring Hill Elementary two years ago when it was a “D” rated school by the state.

In just one year the school went all the way to a “B.” After two years, the school is now an “A.”

“I was just ecstatic when I found out,” Maine said. “I was at a loss for words. A lot of emotion.”

Fourth grade teacher Traci Athanason had a similar reaction to the good news.

“I think I screamed. It was like a weight had been lifted,” Athanason said.

Maine says they did it by changing the culture at the school. He wants to make students from all different kinds of backgrounds feel welcome.

“We create an environment in the school where they can forget about what they’re dealing with. They can be inspired and happy to be here and feel welcomed to be part of school culture,” Maine said.

Assistant Principal Kristen Tormey said challenging the students and raising expectations also contributed to their success.

“Our teachers have worked hard. Our parents have worked hard. Our students have worked the hardest,” Tormey said.

As a new school year begins, now they’re working to keep the “A.”

“Everyone is so excited to get the year rolling with the kids and to maintain this ‘A,’ that is definitely our goal,” said 5th grade teacher Kristen Bloxon. The school will welcome back their students next week with a red carpet to celebrate their new “A” grade status.