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GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C.-- Just a few years ago, Oak Hill Elementary was the lowest performing school in the state, remaining in the bottom 5 percent in 2009.

"Parents weren't, didn't really proudly say my child goes to Oak Hill,” said current Principal Patrice Faison.

But after years of academic and financial struggles, the school was chosen to take part in the School Improvement Grant program, a three year federally funded initiative that gives the elementary school roughly $950,000 a year.

"With that money, the administration has been able to extend the school day by 45 minutes and also the school day by 10 days,” said Guilford County Western Region Superintendent Angelo Kidd.

In addition to more instructional time, the school system also replaced the principal and nearly 80 percent of the staff, hiring Patrice Faison for the top position.

"The grant provided a number of professional development activities for teachers and technology,” Faison said.

Adding a new look and a more welcoming environment.

"I think kids should walk in the door and have a place where they're excited about coming,” she added.

Kim Gentle was skeptical of the program, but gave it a year before moving her girls to another school. She says she's seen nothing but improvements.

"It is working. It's not easy, but it's getting done,” Gentle said.

And the numbers prove it.

"After one year on the end of grade tests as given by the state of North Carolina, we showed a 19.4 percent increase in the performance composite,” Kidd said.

A great starting point, but one educators hope will continue to improve.

"We understand that it's going to be a challenge, but students can grow and that's what we're about is growth,” Faison said.

Just 300 schools nationwide were chosen for the first year of the program.

Wiley Elementary and Andrews High School qualified and are a part of the second year program.