Working with young learners, Angela Gilmore hears stories of all manner of hardship: Exhausting work schedules, sleepless nights as a teen parent, trouble with the law, trouble with boyfriends, trouble putting food on the table.

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 helpful but also personally rewarding.

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.

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!’”