About Garrett

After a county-wide study on the new concept of “middle schools”, the old Austell Junior High School became Garrett Middle School during the 1971 – 1972 school year. Dr. Franklin Croker was the first principal, a position that he held for ten years before moving to South Cobb High School.

The staff moved into the current building in August 1972. At that time the pods/teams were all “open.” Four teachers and approximately one hundred students were assigned to a “pod” and there were no walls or partitions to separate the four academic subjects. Everyone could see everyone all day long.

We had only two academic areas – currently the 6^th and 7^th grades. The 8^th grade was completed for the 1978-1979 school year. So originally all three grade levels were represented in one area. What is now the 6^th grade was 6-Gold, 7-Gold and 8-Gold. The area that is now the 7^th grade housed the “Blue Pods” – 6 Blue, 7 Blue and 8 Blue.

During the 1975 – 1976 school year, Mr. Crandall Storey, Industrial Arts Teacher, designed and oversaw the building of the Log Cabin. The materials were donated. The work was done by students and community members. History Trek became an annual celebration around the log cabin – with guest “pioneers” and other presenters.

During the 1978 – 1979 school year we moved into the 8^th grade area and the Gold side became the 6^th grade and the Blue side became the 7^th Grade. The “school-within-a-school” concept worked so much better. The new 8^th grade was not “open space.” Eventually walls were erected in the other areas, as well. In the early 2000’s the new Connections area was built.

In the early 1980’s the Vita Par Trail was established. Cobb General Hospital helped finance the exercise trail which is still used by students, staff members and community members.

Also in the 1980’s the South Cobb Rotary Club (SCRC) began the Writing Contest. Students from each grade level submitted essays on certain topics for judging. Winner and their families were invited to a luncheon. Winners were also given financial awards. The SCRC also sponsors our monthly Staff Member of the Month award as well. These traditions continue today.

In 1983 we became one of the first National Schools of Excellence in Cobb County. At the completion of the 2006-2007 school year, Garrett Middle was recognized as a Title I School of Distinction for making AYP for 3 years straight.

Garrett has had only eight principals in its 43 year history:

• Dr. Franklin Croker
• Dr. Larry Cooper
• Mr. Joseph Boland
• Dr. Rose McNeese
• Dr. Eugene Wright
• Dr. Phillip Page
• Dr. Fredrick Harris
• Mrs. Kimberly Jackson