HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Paying children to learn to read -- it's an innovative concept that took a local elementary school from last place in reading scores to near the top.

And it happened in a matter of months. The students have Wal-Mart to thank for their huge success.

Like at any other grade school, reading is job one at Spring Hill Elementary in Huntington. But, despite its best efforts, the school received some disturbing news last year about its state reading scores.

“It was really discouraging and embarrassing,” said Sara Elmore, a Spring Hill teacher.

Spring Hill Principal Pamela Bailey had a similar reaction.

“As a principal, it was the worst news I could have gotten that out of all the elementary schools we were last,” she said.

So, she decided to do something about it, heading to Wal-Mart.

“You know, I get a lot of requests at Wal-Mart and when this principal approached me, she told me about a need and low test scores,” said Debra Mays, manager of the Huntington Wal-Mart.

“When she gave me the $500, I added and got $625 worth of gift cards to motivate my kids,” Bailey said.

All the students had to do was their best on the practice tests and, just as importantly, complete them.

“A lot of times, they'll skip a page," Elmore said. "Knowing they were going to get that card if they finished and answered every question, I saw children looking back through the book, and I think they were really more motivated.”

Eight months later, there was a big reason to celebrate, and Bailey expressed her pride to the kids.

“We were last county in elementary with our scores and you all worked so hard and answered all the questions so you could get a Wal-Mart card," she told them. "We're 11, which means we moved up eight slots.”

Mays received thunderous applause when she announced Wal-Mart was donating $1,000 this year, compared with $500 last year.

“What a success story, and, if we can help children succeed and maybe set the stage for success, then there's nothing better than that,” Mays said.

Bailey said offering money as a reward for hard work motivated the kids tremendously.

"So they worked hard because, not only were they paid well through good grades, but were going to get a bonus by getting a $25 gift card from Wal-Mart."

In Elmore's class, there was total satisfaction.

“I was really proud,” said Malik Brown, a Spring Hill student.

Bailey credits a total team effort between the teachers, students and Wal-Mart for creating a perfect environment for success.