Brenau Academy shifts focus to 'early college' program

GAINESVILLE - Brenau Academy this year is shifting its focus to an "early college" program.

The transformation means students will be able to accumulate up to two years' worth of college credits by time they receive their high school diplomas.

Starting in the 2011-12 academic year, which begins in August, Brenau Academy students will no longer take traditional high school-level courses on the Brenau campus but will instead have access to the full range of courses offered to students at the 133-year-old Brenau Women's College, which is an undergraduate division of its sister institution, Brenau University.

"These are not advanced placement courses or other high school courses," said Jim Southerland, the Brenau University provost and vice president for academic affairs. "These are actual college courses that could transfer easily to Brenau or any other institution of higher learning. Those who elect to do so and complete the requisite courses could even receive a two-year Associate of Arts degree from the university at the completion of the Brenau Academy program."

The new focus stems from a recommendation following several months of study by a blue-ribbon committee of top-level Brenau academic and administration officials. The university Board of Trustees approved the recommendation at the end of 2010.

"It has been clear for some time that the traditional single-gender residential prep school model is no longer economically viable for Brenau Academy," said Brenau University President Ed. L. Schrader. "However, we believe that this transition to the 'early college' approach not only will be more realistic financially, but also will be more in line with the university's strategic plan and mission. One of the Brenau Academy founding principles was that it provides educational opportunities that young women cannot get elsewhere, and this approach holds true to that principle."

Founded in 1928 as an adjunct and possible student "feeder school" to the higher education institution, Brenau Academy has been in continuous operation since, producing such notable alumnae as TV star Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty on the long-running Gunsmoke), wrapping paper magnate Sally Foster, Hollywood costume designer Janie Bryant, and Gwinnett County Commission Chair Shirley Lasseter.

However, following a national trend, enrollments at the female-only school have declined precipitously in recent years to fewer than 40 students