It's back to school for Bibb County, but for students at Cirrus Academy, it was the first day ever. Going back to school can be scary for anyone, but for these students, this year means new friends, new teachers, a new building, and new curriculum.
Mom Stephanie Byrd says she enrolled her kids at Cirrus for the STEAM program.
"Basically for the technology, mathematics, and science," Byrd says.
Cirrus CEO and Superintendent Ashanti Johnson says STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Johnson says teachers are finding ways to work these core subjects into everything they do.
"STEAM is important for our communities and it's the direction we are going in as a nation," Johnson says.
Any Georgia resident can apply to attend Cirrus Academy.
"The longest commute is somewhere between 45 minutes to an hour," Johnson says.
Macon Charter Academy, which opened its doors a year ago, re-opened Monday and said it plans to stay open for the rest of the school year. The Georgia State Board of Education is still working to shut them down, saying they failed to carry out their charter.
But Johnson says Cirrus will succeed because of the collaboration that started it.
"This group that has come together operates in the spirit of excellence," Johnson says. "We have people who are committed to getting it done and doing whatever it takes.
Johnson says applications for next year should be available online by early January. Applications are equally considered, so it's just a matter of timing. There are currently 618 students enrolled at Cirrus Academy.