Berrien Academy Performance Learning Center

Berrien Academy Performance Learning Center is a small alternative high school in Nashville, GA, serving 61 students in grades 9-12 within the Berrien County district.

This school has undergone a remarkable transformation. A decade ago, it ranked in the bottom 6% of Georgia high schools with a zero-star rating. Today, it holds a 5-star rating and sits in the 90th percentile statewide—a dramatic climb that places it well above its own district's traditional high school. The most recent test scores show 75% of students proficient in Biology, which is nearly 28 points above the state average and far exceeds nearby Cook High School (49.8%) and Lanier County High School (41.9%). The graduation rate is also exceptional at 96.2%, outpacing the state average by 9 points. This is especially notable because 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch—a figure that has nearly doubled in two years—and the school serves students who have often struggled in traditional settings.

That said, there are some challenges to keep in mind. The reported student-teacher ratio of 46.9:1 is unusually high for an alternative school, and chronic absenteeism (22.7%) remains above state and district averages. Test scores and graduation rates also fluctuate year to year, which is common with such a small student body. Still, the school's success stands in stark contrast to Discovery Regional High School, another alternative school in the region that ranks in the bottom 1% with 0% proficiency in Biology. Berrien Academy also outperforms Berrien High School in Biology and U.S. History, despite serving a smaller, more economically challenged population. For parents considering this school, the picture is one of a high-performing alternative program that has beaten the odds—though its high spending per student ($17,890) and variable year-to-year results are worth monitoring.