It's the big reveal for a brand new school in the Davenport School District, Mid City High School, an alternative school.
On Thursday, October 30, 2014, the Davenport School District showed off its a new alternative school, a replacement for the Kimberly Center. The district purchased this building off Marquette then renovated it into a 21st century learning experience for students.
Inside Mid City High School, everything is modern and the technology is up to date. Students also get to use Google Chromebooks. However, the real learning experience goes beyond all the bells and whistles. The school gives students a second option instead of dropping out.
Senior Eljay Williams was supposed to graduate back in 2012, but things got in the way and he dropped out.
"They accepted me back," said Williams.
Now Williams will graduate in December and for students at MCHS it's about the relationships they've built there.
"If kids struggle with maybe having a relationship or they have problems with that stability at home we're able to help bridge that gap," said principal, Dr. Jake Klipsch.
The school gives student another option besides traditional learning and opening doors for students like Williams.
"Just feeling the cap and gown, just the material of the cap and gown just made me want to cry, because I'm 20 years old and I'm finally getting my diploma," said Williams.
The district spent around $11 million dollars for purchasing and renovating the building, but the money to pay for it all came from the state-wide sales tax.