Blog - Acceleration Academies

Frustrated in Traditional School, She Finds Her Learning Home at SLAA

Written by Jeffrey Good | May 28, 2024 2:10:02 PM

Amya Marston found the best way to celebrate her 18th birthday — by joining the Class of 2024. Amya says she couldn’t have done it without St. Lucie Acceleration Academies (SLAA). 

Not so long ago, Amya was struggling in a traditional school, falling behind in her studies and not finding the one-on-one help she needed. Then her brother, Malik, transferred to SLAA, re-engaged in his studies and celebrated his graduation. 

Amya decided to follow his lead and, from the start, knew that she had found her learning home. She loved the studious, cafe-like atmosphere, so different from the sterile classrooms and crowded hallways of her old school. Rather than avoiding school, she found herself wanting to come and study on campus. 

“It’s actually relaxed,” Amya says. “I can do more work here than at home. If I’m at home, I’m off-task.” 

She also appreciated the personalized help she got from SLAA educators. In math, a vexing subject for her, math coach Carson Senger showed her how to break down equations into manageable pieces and work through them. Any time she felt her momentum sagging, graduation candidate advocate Coralynn Long was there to give her a boost. 

“Miss Cora kept me going,” says Amya. At the start of every week, she would regularly wake up to a text message saying, “Good morning, Amya. We’ve got some geometry to knock out this week. I’m here to help.” 

With that help and her own determination, Amya earned the right to graduate and is looking forward to starting a career in real estate and perhaps developing her own line of clothing. Acceleration Academies helped her build the confidence she needs to create her best future. 

“I feel like I earned it,” she says of her diploma. “I worked for it.” 

St. Lucie Acceleration Academies (SLAA) serves students in St. Lucie County, FL., ages 14-20 in grades 9-12. SLAA offerS a blended learning model that allows students to work in person and at home, year-round. With extended on-site hours, students focus on one course at a time and can complete coursework around their schedule. When working from home, students can receive remote support to help keep them on track in their courses. Our unique approach meets each student where they are and provides them the support they need. LEARN MORE >>>