Students return to Apalachee High School less than three weeks after deadly shooting

A vigil around the flag pole at Apalachee High School.
The Apalachee High School community returned to campus for an open house on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, following a shooting in the same month that left four people dead and several others injured. (Chamian Cruz/WABE)

Students and teachers at Apalachee High School returned to campus on Monday for the first time since police say a 14-year-old student shot and killed four people on school grounds.

The students were greeted by grief counselors, therapy dogs and an increase in law enforcement, including Georgia State Patrol.

Standing near a pile of flowers surrounding the base of the flag pole outside of the school ahead of an open house for students, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said the return was a “huge step” toward healing.