CHAT Academy has a lot to be proud of.

Every year, the school consistently performs at or above the level of comparable institutions across the country.

The school leads the area in education initiatives, forward thinking ideas and general excellence.

It’s good to know The Times-Journal isn’t the only one to think so.

State Board of Education member Ella Bell came to Selma, visited CHAT and walked away with the same impression.

She saw the hardworking teachers, students, faculty and administrators moving ahead, making sure that the city is invested in the students that go to CHAT.

While almost every school system in the state struggles with disciplinary problems, financial problems and problems with teachers, it’s good to be reminded of the good that a school can do, not only for the students, but through them, for the community as a whole.

The Times-Journal thanks Bell for bringing to our attention CHAT’s successes.

Sometimes it takes the eyes of an “outsider” to shed new light on an “old” institution. We can never be reminded enough of the good that CHAT and other schools in the area do.

Everyday, we entrust the minds and bodies of our children to our schools and trust them to create better human beings. CHAT, and others, do just that.

Thank you CHAT and thank you Ella Bell.