When you walk through Baumgardner Middle School, the sense of belonging is undeniable. For Principal Joshua Luton, Open Doors Academy is an essential partner in making that possible.
ODA has been part of the Baumgardner community and providing consistent afterschool programming since 2014.
“ODA, what can I say? It’s definitely a positive program,” Principal Luton shared. “I enjoy what it’s bringing to our school.”
What it brings, he says, goes beyond participation. Scholars are not just attending after school. They are choosing it.
But the most important impact, he notes, is academic.
“The biggest piece for me is the academic piece. They’re getting help with homework, they have tutoring, and they have something they can connect to.”
For many middle schoolers, that connection does not come through sports or traditional extracurriculars. Some are still looking for where they fit. At Baumgardner, ODA has become that place.
“We have students who don’t participate in sports, who don’t participate in anything else,” Principal Luton said. “And ODA is that family for them. I want to see more students involved and engaged.”
As Baumgardner looks ahead, ODA remains a steady presence. A partner in academic support, a source of connection, and a community where scholars know they belong.
“We appreciate ODA being here,” Principal Luton said. “And we’re looking forward to growing together.”
