Cleveland's John Hay Campus isn't what it used to be. And to many people, that's a good thing.

The former John Hay High School used to be known for test scores so low they trailed even the district's modest averages. Suspensions ran high; so did teacher absences.

Now look: It's an academic standout, achieving a top grade of "excellent" on its latest state report card. John Hay was one of only two schools in the district -- and the only high school -- to earn that honor.

Big changes came after then-Chief Executive Officer Barbara Byrd-Bennett shut down the University Circle school for two years, starting in 2004. A $37 million renovation of the 1929 building was one reason, but the down time also gave officials the chance to dismantle the operation and start over.

Sharing the campus are: Early College, with an accelerated curriculum that leads to graduation in three years; the School of Science and Medicine; and the School of Architecture and Design.