Clayton Co. throws party for accreditation win | Events

LOVEJOY, Ga. -- Clayton County is throwing a party to celebrate the school district regaining its full accreditation.

The countywide event is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Gerald Matthews Soccer Complex in Lovejoy. It is free and open to the public.

The 50,000-student district learned in May that it had been taken off probation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Clayton County's high schools lost accreditation completely for nine months starting in fall 2008 because of the district's squabbling school board. It won accreditation back in May 2009 but remained on probation for two years to address lingering issues.

The accreditation loss drew national headlines and damaged the district's reputation.

Saturday's event includes musical performances, games, food and other activities.