5 Things to Know About Duval County Acceleration Academies in Jacksonville

Duval County students have a new option for earning a high school diploma in Jacksonville, and it’s built for those who need flexibility, support and a personalized path to graduation. 

Now open inside Jacksonville’s San Marco Community Center (a temporary location, by the way), Duval County Acceleration Academies offers an innovative alternative to the traditional high school experience. And, it’s completely free for qualifying students.

For teens and young adults who stepped away from school, didn’t graduate with their class and are ready to make a comeback, here are five things to know about Duval County Acceleration Academies.

1. Students Earn a Real High School Diploma, Not a GED

Duval County Acceleration Academies provides a pathway to a district-issued high school diploma, not a GED or test-based certificate. 

Students complete coursework and graduation requirements with the support of licensed teachers. For many learners, especially those who left a traditional school and are returning after a break, earning a diploma opens doors to college, military service, trade programs and workforce opportunities.

10 Well-Paying Jobs You Can Get With a High School Diploma→

2. Flexible Schedules Designed for Real Life

At Duval County Acceleration Academies, students aren’t expected to fit their lives around school. Instead, school is designed to fit around life. Learners work at a flexible pace, year-round, in a blended learning model that accommodates:

• Part-time or full-time employment
• Parenting responsibilities
• Mental or physical health and wellness needs
• Family commitments

Students complete coursework in person at Duval County Acceleration Academies’ location in Jacksonville and at home, making the program an ideal option for teens and young adults who need structure without rigidity. Licensed teachers and dedicated support staff are available at the academy and virtually during remote-learning days.

3. Personalized Support from Teachers and Coaches

One of the most important things that sets Duval County Acceleration Academies apart is the level of individual support. Each student is paired with a team of advocates, academic content coaches and life coaches who help them navigate academic expectations, remove barriers, maintain momentum and build confidence. 

Because students take one course at a time, they’re able to stay focused, feel less overwhelmed and make consistent, measurable progress toward graduation.

4. A Calm, Judgment-Free Learning Environment

For many students, the challenges of traditional school aren’t academic, they’re social. Duval County Acceleration Academies provides an environment that feels more like a modern coworking space than a high school classroom. 

With workstations, one-on-one coaching rooms and quiet study areas, students are able to learn at a flexible pace without distractions, pressure or stigmas.

5. A Globally-Recognized Digital Curriculum

Duval County Acceleration Academies utilizes Edmentum's digital curriculum to deliver quality courses.

Why it matters:

• Personalized Learning: The program uses pre-tests to identify what students already know, allowing them to skip mastered content and focus on knowledge gaps. This creates an individualized learning path and allows for self-paced progress.
• Engaging, Multimodal Content: Courses are media-rich, incorporating videos, animations, readings, and interactive activities to cater to diverse learning styles and boost engagement.
• Anytime, Anywhere Access: As a fully online platform, students can access their coursework 24/7 with an internet connection, offering the flexibility needed for different schedules.
• College & Career Readiness: A robust catalog includes core subjects, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, world languages, and a wide array of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that prepare students for industry certifications and post-secondary success.
• Built-in Support Tools: Students have access to features like click-to-speak, translation tools in multiple languages, and a glossary to support their learning as needed. 

💻 Explore Florida's curriculum catalog →

Now Open in Jacksonville

Who can enroll at Duval County Acceleration Academies?

Duval County Acceleration Academies welcomes students ages 17-21 (22 with IEP) from across Duval County. Students must live in Duval County, have left high school and not graduated with their class. New students to the district must provide valid documentation to include proof of age, proof of residency, Florida certification of immunization or exemption, and record of physical examination.

With a focus on flexibility, dignity and student success, Acceleration Academies is proud to offer Duval County a new pathway to graduation, and a brighter future. Start an enrollment application today.