Cincinnati Acceleration Academies is a New, Tuition-Free Community High School Offering a Flexible Schedule and Hybrid Learning Model

CINCINNATI, Ohio - June 22, 2026 – Students in Cincinnati, Ohio, who need more flexibility and support than what’s typically available in traditional schools have a new way to earn their high school diploma starting in August.

Cincinnati Acceleration Academies will offer a tuition-free community high school designed for students who have fallen behind on credits or left school before graduating, helping them reconnect with their education and work toward an Ohio high school diploma.

Cincinnati Acceleration Academies is a strong fit for students who may be balancing school with work or family responsibilities, want to accelerate their path to graduation by earning more credits in a school year or are seeking an environment that better supports their individual needs. This includes students who are pregnant or parenting, those experiencing anxiety in traditional classroom settings, students whose peer dynamics have made school challenging, older students working to catch up in lower-level courses and learners who are motivated to complete their diploma at an accelerated pace to reach personal goals.

With a mission to remove academic and non-academic barriers that have historically made earning a high school diploma challenging for some students, Cincinnati Acceleration Academies operates on a year-round calendar with a hybrid learning model that blends in-person academic coaching at the Academy with an online curriculum that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Growing up, my mother instilled in my brother and I the importance of education. While we didn't always have the same resources as many of our classmates, we shared a common purpose and a determination to succeed. Guided by our mother's encouragement and supported by one another, we remained focused on a goal that would open doors to future opportunities: earning our high school diplomas. Every young person in Cincinnati deserves a path to a high school diploma, no matter what challenges they’ve faced along the way,” said Gabrielle Jackson, Director of Cincinnati Acceleration Academies. “Our academy is designed to meet students where they are; helping them rebuild confidence and create a future they can be proud of. By investing in the success of our students, we’re helping build a stronger Cincinnati community.”

Flexible scheduling allows learners to build school routines that fit into their real lives, as many balance coursework with jobs, medical appointments, caregiving responsibilities or parenting. ​

Students take one class at a time and each course is designed to be completed in 2-4 weeks. For those who once felt overwhelmed by the traditional school day and juggling multiple subjects at once, taking one course at a time allows them to stay focused, build momentum and make clear progress toward graduation.

Each student receives a personalized learning plan designed to track progress and map a path toward graduation. And a strong emphasis on authentic relationships between students, teachers and mentors helps learners rebuild confidence, find encouragement and stay on track academically.

“At our school, students are referred to as ‘graduation candidates,’ a title that serves as a constant reminder of our ultimate goal: graduating from high school and preparing for the next chapter of our lives, whether that path leads to college, military service, trade school or a career,” Jackson said. “It reminds us that graduation is more than a milestone; it is a gateway to a future filled with possibilities.”

“Too many students begin to believe that graduating isn’t possible for them,” said Kelli Campbell, the CEO of Acceleration Academies who is a proud first-generation high school and college graduate. “We’re here to change that story. Cincinnati Acceleration Academies provides a supportive, flexible environment where students can overcome obstacles, rediscover their strengths and make meaningful progress toward graduation. As part of a nationwide network, we know what’s possible when students are given the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Every student deserves to feel seen, valued and capable of success, and we’re proud to help Cincinnati students build brighter futures.”

Cincinnati Acceleration Academies will temporarily serve students at a designated space on the Xavier University campus while a permanent space is under renovation in North Avondale. They are currently accepting applications for students ages 14-21.

Learn more and apply at cincinnati.accelerationacademies.org

About Acceleration Academies
​As a leading 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. Find more information at accelerationacademies.org.

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Media Contact:
​Alyssa Reynolds ​
​Pando Public Relations for Acceleration Academies
​alyssa@pandopublicrelations.com

Sample Images of an Acceleration Academies High School

Purposefully designed to support the school's student-centered model, Acceleration Academies look and feel more like modern co-working spaces than traditional high schools. Open-concept layouts, comfortable seating, dedicated quiet areas and technology-equipped workstations allow students to move freely throughout the academy, learn at a flexible pace and access personalized support from teachers. Cincinnati Acceleration Academies will temporarily serve students in a designated space on the Xavier University campus while its permanent North Avondale location undergoes renovation.