Broward County Public Schools in partnership with Acceleration Academies opens a new non-traditional school for students who are at-risk or who need an alternative path to earning their diplomas.

Broward County Public Schools has opened the new school site for the Broward County Acceleration Academies (BCAA). BCAA is a free alternative pathway to a high school diploma, combining in-person and online study with coaching and support for students who are at-risk or who have dropped out of a traditional high school. Students have been meeting at a temporary BCAA site since January and already, the first student has earned her high school diploma and has graduated from high school.

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Broward County Acceleration Academies — resulting from a partnership between Broward County Public Schools and Acceleration Academies — opened a new permanent school site where at-risk students can get the support they need to earn their high school diplomas. Several elected officials and district leaders were present at the ribbon cutting. Front Row Left to Right: Shawn Cerra (Coral Springs City Commissioner), Tom Cerra (Senior Advisor at Acceleration Academies), Mark Graves (Chief Engagement Officer for Acceleration Academies), Dr. Valtena Brown (Regional VP for Acceleration Academies), Angela Fulton (Broward County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent), Dr. Ted Toomer (Regional Superintendent, Teaching and Learning), Kelli Campbell (CEO of Acceleration Academies), Rosa Martinez (Broward County Acceleration Academies Director), Dr. Howard Hepburn (Broward County Public Schools Superintendent), Dr. Leo Nesmith (Broward County Public Schools Regional Director), Adrienne Dixson-Paul (Regional Assistant Director), Daryl Campbell (Florida State Representative District 99). Not pictured: Theresa Brier, District Director, Office of U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).

Several elected officials and district leaders were present at the ribbon cutting including Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools; Theresa Brier, District Director, Office of U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (FL-23); and Representative Daryl Campbell, District 99.

Broward County Acceleration Academies is the result of a partnership between Broward County Public Schools and Acceleration Academies. It will serve 300 students year-round with individually paced learning. It is open on weekdays, most evenings, and weekends. BCAA offers a blended approach so students can take courses online or in-person while having daily in-person interaction with teachers and mentors. Success coaches guide students through their curriculum and also help them navigate personal challenges so that they have the best chance of attaining their goal.

“BCAA offers a free alternative pathway to a high school diploma for students who have dropped out, are at risk of dropping out, or are not thriving in traditional schools. It is especially wonderful to open the doors on BCAA’s new location on the same day that our first BCAA graduate has earned her diploma,” said Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies. “We want everyone in the community to know that our doors are open to students who face challenges and have either given up on school or are contemplating dropping out. Our teachers and coaches will be with them every step of the way, while they find a process and timeframe to suit their individual needs.”

“All of our staff at BCAA are thrilled to welcome students to this new facility, one that conveys the respect and admiration we have for them and the challenges they have overcome,” said BCAA Director, Rosa Martinez.

Shamel, a student of BCAA said, "One of the things that I like is that it's not just teachers telling you to do work. Coaches aren’t like teachers - they come and talk to you, explain things and help with definitions. They really help you understand the work here.”

The new school is located at 725 Progresso Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

About Acceleration Academies

Over 6,500 students are pursuing their path to a high school diploma through Acceleration Academies, which operates 20 academies in six states. Acceleration Academies provides a blend of in-person and remote coursework, personalized learning plans, flexible scheduling and career/life coaching to help students who may otherwise not be successful in earning their diploma. Find more information at accelerationacademies.org.

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