On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Greene County School System held an open house for the Star Academy which serves 7th and 8th grade students at Robert Brown Middle School. Shortly after he assumed the job of School Superintendent, Dr. Corey Jones was successful in securing a $900,000 grant to implement the Star Academy Program, which serves at-risk students, students with academic challenges and students who need to learn through alternative learning styles.
Greene County was one of two school systems in Alabama that received this At-Risk Discretionary Grant from the Alabama Department of Education this academic year.
 The Star Academy, a school within a school, employs standards-based curriculum in Science, Mathematics, English, and Social Studies. Students navigate through a rigorous progression of varied instructional methods incorporating hands-on, real-world learning experiences, individualized instruction, team instruction, and personal development.
The program re-engages students who may have experienced personal, academic, or social challenges in their lives. It provides these students with an opportunity to recapture a sense of purpose, regain their self-esteem, and succeed academically. The program can accommodate up to 80 7th and 8th graders.
The school system provides the faculty and the facility.  The Star Academy, through the grant resources, provides the curriculum design; facilities layout, including classroom furnishings; computers and other related classroom materials and support; staff development; on site coordination and support.
The Star Academy provides on going training for participating teachers and administrators, and continuous information and updates for parents.