Falling behind in high school can feel heavy.

For Lee County Acceleration Academies graduation candidate Norah Stearns, art has never been just a hobby. It’s part of who she is.

Curriculum Matters More Than You Might Think If your teen needs a different path to a high school diploma, you’re likely focused on finding a program that offers flexibility, support and understanding.

If you’re here, there’s a good chance school hasn’t gone the way you hoped for your high school student.

For many Acceleration Academies students and families, the enrollment counselors team is the very first line of support. They offer guidance, answer questions and help make what can feel like a big, uncertain decision a little clearer.

For a lot of students, the phrase “high school” doesn’t come with pep rallies and yearbook smiles. It comes with anxiety, missed credits, disciplinary slips or the quiet belief that school just isn’t a place where they belong.

Julio Ortiz Ríos, Ed.D., joined the Lee County Acceleration Academies team in Fort Myers, Fl., in February as academy director, bringing more than a decade of experience to the role. Get to know more about his background, leadership journey and heart for students in this Q&A.

When twin sisters Amaya and Aubrey walked through the doors of Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies last August, they weren’t sure what to expect.

On most days at DeKalb County Acceleration Academies (DAA), you’ll find Terrell and Jayden not too far from each other — joking, checking in on their course progress and quietly keeping each other accountable.