Markel Jackson stopped by Sarasota Acceleration Academies one day to eat pizza with his former classmates and teachers, to fill them in on his job and plans for the future — and to laugh, laugh and laugh some more.

When you hear the term “registrar,” what image comes to mind? Perhaps someone who helps students fill out forms, organizes transcripts and completes enrollments, and makes the behind-the-scenes machinery of a school operate without a hitch.

Good things come in pairs, says the Chinese proverb. That’s certainly the case at the newly opened Lowcountry Acceleration Academy in Charleston.

Olivia O’Neil has high-flying dreams for herself. But she knew she couldn’t realize them without a high school diploma.

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 respond to this prompt: As the traditional school year begins, what is the most important thing...

“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 you never quit or gave up. Now you can proudly say ‘I did it!’”

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.

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 respond to this prompt: Many students come to us in search of a second chance, not only to finish high...

After more than a year of drive-through graduations required by the Covid pandemic, the educators, graduates and family members of Miami-Dade Acceleration Academies were able to gather in an auditorium and celebrate in person.