Broward County Students Who Might Not Have Completed High School Are Now Graduates Thanks to Flexible Learning Pathway

FORT LAUDERDALE, Flor.– June 19, 2026 - This week, 82 students from Broward County Acceleration Academies in Ft. Lauderdale walked across the stage in their first ever graduation ceremony to collect their high school diplomas thanks to an innovative partnership between Broward County Public Schools 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 Broward County Acceleration Academies.

Tori Lopez, Sharp Award Recipient and graduate, said in her award acceptance speech, “It felt almost impossible, but then, I found Acceleration Academy. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel behind anymore, I felt seen. From day one, this program didn’t just accommodate me, they believed in me. They worked with me, supported me, and reminded me that my circumstances didn’t define my potential. And I know I’m not the only one in this room with a story like that.”

The June 17 ceremony commenced at 5:00pm while families and other supporters cheered as students crossed the stage to accept their diplomas. Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools and Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies, attended and addressed the students. Other dignitaries included Dr. Leo Nesmith, Regional Director of Broward County Public Schools, Dr. Ted Toomer, Regional Superintendent, Teaching and Learning at Broward County Public Schools, and Adrienne Dixson-Paul, Regional Assistant Director at Broward County Public Schools.

“Public education is strengthened by community partners who help expand a district’s reach and ensure every student has access to the support they need to succeed. Through our partnership with Acceleration Academies, we are creating non-traditional pathways that meet students where they are and provide a meaningful second chance to earn a diploma. These graduates are proof that when we invest in students and refuse to give up on them, we can change the trajectory of their lives forever.” said Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.

“We celebrate with our Broward County Acceleration Academy graduates today and thank them all for their hard work to reach this important milestone. Many of these students have persevered despite what might have seemed impossible only a few years ago and here they are with high school diplomas with every opportunity ahead of them,” said Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies. ​

Acceleration Academies is a free alternative pathway to a high school diploma that combines in person and online study with coaching and support for at-risk students. Most of the Broward County Acceleration Academies students were struggling in traditional schools and were unlikely to finish high school without extra support and flexibility this alternative path offers.

“Congratulations to every student who is graduating today. We call our students ‘Graduation Candidates’ for the entire time they are with us, but today they are officially High School Graduates!” said Rosa Martinez, Director at Broward County Acceleration Academy. “It has been an honor to work with them all, as they struggled through personal and academic challenges. We are inspired by your dedication, grit and determination to cross the finish line.”

About Acceleration Academies

As a leading school district partner in student-centered alternative education, Acceleration Academies provides students a real second chance at a high school diploma by offering a hybrid learning model that blends in-person academic coaching with engaging online coursework, flexible scheduling and personalized support from teachers and mentors. Acceleration Academies operates 27 academies in seven states. 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 (including Zoom) with recent graduates, parents, and staff can be arranged upon request.

Broward County Acceleration Academies student and Sharp Award recipient Victoria Lopez celebrates graduating. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies.Broward County Acceleration Academies student Jasmina Bastien celebrates graduating. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies.

Broward County Acceleration Academies students celebrate their graduation. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies.Broward County Acceleration Academies student Kara McFarland celebrates graduating with their mom & dad. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies.