Bethel Students Who Might Not Have Completed High School Are Now High School Graduates Thanks to a Unique Partnership
Bethel School District with Acceleration Academies operates a non-traditional school that helps students earn their high school diplomas. They graduated this week.
SPANAWAY, Wash. – December 4, 2025 - This week about 50 students from Bethel Acceleration Academies (BAA) in Spanaway walked across the stage to collect their high school diplomas thanks to an innovative partnership between Bethel School District and Acceleration Academies. The ceremony is especially meaningful for these students who previously struggled in traditional schools but found the academic and personal support they needed to earn their high school diplomas at Bethel Acceleration Academies.
The ceremony commenced at 6:00 p.m. at Liberty Middle School in Spanaway while families and other supporters cheered as students crossed the stage to accept their diplomas.
“Today we celebrate and recognize 50 extraordinary students for reaching what might have felt like an impossible goal only a few years ago. All of them fought through issues that had threatened to derail them, issues that might have prevented them from graduating and in doing so would have dramatically impacted their potential later in life,” said Kevin Torres, BAA Academy Director. “Congratulations to you all! You deserve to be proud of yourselves and I encourage you to anchor this feeling of success deep in your heart. Knowing that you have reached this goal means that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
Acceleration Academies is a free alternative pathway to a high school diploma that combines in-person and online study with coaching and support for students who might not have otherwise graduated. Most of the BAA students were struggling in traditional schools and were unlikely to finish high school without extra support and flexibility the Acceleration Academy schools offers. Read about a recent BAA graduate here.
Bethel Acceleration Academies operates in partnership with Bethel School District. Like all public school programs, BAA is free of charge for high school aged students who want to earn their diplomas. Students can choose BAA because they need the flexibility of a non-traditional school to accommodate family obligations, or their pursuit of athletics or music and other endeavors like Performing Arts.
As a partner with Bethel School District, Bethel Acceleration Academies (BAA) is an approved online provider through the Washington Choice Transfer Program and the Open Doors Program. Students do not have to live in Bethel School District in order to participate in the Bethel Acceleration Academies Online Program. The In-Person Learning Program at BAA is for students who want some in-person instructional support combined with online instructional support.
“My personal congratulations goes to every one of the BAA graduates today. I hope you realize the positive impact this achievement will have on the rest of your lives. Know that all of us at Bethel Acceleration Academies cheer for you now, and we will keep cheering for you as you step out into a life that is now filled with much more hope and promise,” said Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies.
About Acceleration Academies
Over 6,500 students are pursuing their path to a high school diploma through Acceleration Academies, which operates 20 academies in six states. Acceleration Academies provides a blend of in-person and remote coursework, personalized learning plans, flexible scheduling and career/life coaching to help students who may otherwise not be successful in earning their diploma. Find more information at accelerationacademies.org.
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Media Contact:
Alyssa Reynolds, for Acceleration Academies
alyssa@pandopublicrelations.com
916.430.0934
Note to media: Interviews with recent graduates can be arranged upon request. If you wish to be notified when additional photos are available or need anything else, please reach out to alyssa@pandopublicrelations.com.
