Community Block Party Connected DeKalb Families with a New Path to High School Graduation – DeKalb County Acceleration Academies

TUCKER, Ga. – August 6, 2026 - In DeKalb County — as in other communities around the country — there are many students for whom the traditional high school experience simply isn't the right fit. They may have fallen behind on credits, or they struggle to balance work or family responsibilities, but that shouldn’t prevent them from earning their high school diploma. On Saturday, August 1, students who were looking for an alternative high school program that could fit their particular needs may have found it at DeKalb County Acceleration Academies’ Block Party.

Hosted by DeKalb County Acceleration Academies — formed through a partnership with DeKalb County School District and Acceleration Academies — the Block Party provided free food, music, games, and giveaways. It also introduced students to the flexible pathways and personalized support provided by the Academy, supports that give students the best chance at earning their high school diploma.

“DeKalb County Acceleration Academies wants students in our community to know that an alternative path to a high school diploma exists, no matter the challenges they’ve faced along the way,” said Krystal Braxton, Academy Director of DeKalb County Acceleration Academies. “Our goal is to help students who need a more flexible and supportive learning environment to succeed in school. We meet students where they are and we help them overcome barriers that have made school difficult in the past. We help students regain confidence and earn their diploma while building a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their community.”

DeKalb County Acceleration Academies is a Cognia-accredited, tuition-free Georgia public school and is open to high school students up to age 20. It operates on a year-round calendar with a hybrid learning model blending in-person academic coaching at the Academy with an online curriculum that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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 their graduation goal.

If you’d like to learn more about the Academy, ask for a tour or to speak with one of the staff. Contact information is available here.

ABOUT ACCELERATION ACADEMIES: As a leading school district partner in student-centered alternative education, Acceleration Academies provides students a second chance at a high school diploma by offering a hybrid learning model blending in-person academic coaching with engaging online coursework, flexible scheduling, and personalized support from teachers and mentors. Find more information at accelerationacademies.org.

Media Contact ​
​Alyssa Reynolds, for Acceleration Academies ​
​Pando Public Relations ​
​alyssa@pandopublicrelations.com ​
​916.430.0934

Note to media: A Flickr gallery with additional photos from the Block Party at DeKalb County Acceleration Academies is available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/accelerationacademies/albums/72177720335021814/