By Leslie Poythress

Now located on Hendley Street, Miller’s history is an important part of Macon’s heritage. In 1950, Miller Junior High School for eighth and ninth graders opened on Birch Avenue. Junior high students roamed the halls for 34 years before the school changed to a middle school, serving grades seven and eight. In 1995 Miller became a Fine Arts/Core Knowledge Magnet School and a year later moved to its current location.

Miller offers sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students of all abilities a challenging curriculum in an orderly and pleasant environment. Currently, sixth-grade students must apply for admission into the magnet program, into which only 75 sixth graders are accepted. However, beginning in the 2004-2005 school year, all sixth-graders in Miller’s school district will attend the school.

Led by Dr. Gloria McSwain, the faculty members work together to cultivate independent thinkers who are prepared for high school. McSwain, who attended Miller Junior and Senior Highs and was part of the first graduating class of Central High School, received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Mercer University, and a doctorate from the University of Georgia. Her three daughters all attended Miller Middle School.

Miller’s focus on academics and on high standards of achievement and conduct prepares students to succeed personally and academically. The Core Knowledge Curriculum and concentration on the visual and performing arts set the stage for student achievement in Central High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, Arts and Humanities Academy, and other high school programs. Miller is a state-recognized School of Excellence.

The Core Knowledge Curriculum is nationally recognized for its academic excellence. The curriculum is based on the belief that there is a specific body of knowledge that every American should know in order to be culturally literate and academically successful. The curriculum offers English, mathematics, pre-algebra, algebra, science, history, geography, visual arts, and music appreciation. Electives are computer keyboarding, computer technology, Spanish, physical education, band, strings, and chorus. Miller’s combination of rigorous academic programs, the visual and performing arts, and athletics is impressive.

Miller students are encouraged to involve themselves in the school’s extracurricular activities. Students in good standing—passing six of seven courses and complying with dress and discipline codes—may select from a wide variety of clubs, service organizations, and sports. Choices related to academics and services include Beta Honorary, the Math Team, the Academic Team, Science Club, Strategies Club, 4-H, Y club, sixth grade quiz bowl, PREP club, and Student Council. Sports opportunities include cheerleading, football, baseball, softball, basketball, wrestling, track, and soccer.

Miller’s parents consider themselves partners with the school faculty. Often serving as volunteers, fundraisers, and supporters of the school’s efforts, members of the Parent Teacher Student Association are actively involved in decisions affecting the school. Parents, in fact, led the effort to implement the Core Knowledge Curriculum. Miller teachers, parents, and students sign a Parent Contract agreeing to work together to help students achieve personally and academically.

Miller was one of the first middle schools in the state to implement after-school and summer programs for students needing activities and adult supervision after school or during the summer. The 3:00 Project is staffed by Miller teachers and Americorps volunteer college students. The program offers students safe and enjoyable activities such as academic enrichment, recreation, community service, and communication training. The project is sponsored by the Georgia School Age Care Association, the Downtown Rotary Club, and the Georgia General Assembly.