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Yasmin Lacerda: “If I Want to Talk to a Teacher, I Don’t Have to Stand in a Long Line’
Yasmin Lacerda lost her father, Army Ranger Staff Sgt. Pedro Lacerda, when she was just 6. But there’s not a day when she doesn’t carry him, and his example, in her heart. The grief deepened when she ...
Ashton Kolek: ‘If You Need help, You Can Get Help’
But for Sarasota Acceleration Academies, Ashton Kolek would have a hard time focusing on his high school studies while also working 30-35 hours a week at a job that he finds not only financially helpf...
Landen Joshua: ‘I Want to Shock Them’
Landen Joshua came to Lowcountry Acceleration Academy with a burning desire to accelerate his high school education, graduate early and move on to building his career in trade school. He’s well on his...
‘It’s a Real Positive Energy Here that Helped Me Up’
When Markel Jackson first enrolled at Sarasota Acceleration Academies, he didn’t have much faith in his ability to do well in school — until the SAA staff began cheering him on. With that encouragemen...
Martin County Celebrates the Class of 2021
Martin County Acceleration Academies recently celebrated the Class of 2021, young learners who had persevered through adversity to earn their high school diplomas and lay the groundwork for futures in...
Francesca C. Mardis: ‘Where You’re From Isn’t Nearly as Important as Where You’re Going’
Many Miami-Dade Acceleration Academies students come from immigrant families, are unfamiliar with the American education system, are just learning English and are striving to become U.S. citizens. MD...
Lowcountry Academy Twins: ‘We Value Our Education Even More Because We Know What It’s Like Not to Have One’
Good things come in pairs, says the Chinese proverb. That’s certainly the case at the newly opened Lowcountry Acceleration Academy in Charleston. The inaugural group of graduation candidates who walke...
Academies in Action: Pro Tips on Starting the School Year Right
Each month, we take a moment to learn from the educational leaders who are bringing the Acceleration Academies mission to life, day in and day out. This month, we asked our Academy Directors to respon...
St. Lucie Grad Olivia O’Neil: ‘Never Give Up’
Olivia O’Neil has high-flying dreams for herself. But she knew she couldn’t realize them without a high school diploma. “I found myself struggling in a traditional high school setting, never went to s...
Bethel Celebrates Class of 2021: ‘You Never Quit’
“I am honored and excited to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates,” said Bethel Acceleration Academies Director Alison Hansen. “Your journeys have not always been easy, but y...
Tyree Ford: ‘I Want to See What I Can Do’
But for the caring educators at Sarasota Acceleration Academies, Tyree Ford says he’s not sure where he’d be — on the streets, running with the wrong crowd, maybe back in trouble with the law. It’s no...
Academies in Action: Inspiring Second Chances
Each month, we take a moment to learn from the educational leaders who are bringing the Acceleration Academies mission to life, day in and day out. This month, we asked our Academy Directors to respon...
