Hillsborough Acceleration Academies Launches a New Tuition-Free High School Option for Students Seeking a Different Path to Graduation

TAMPA, Florida - June 25, 2026 – Students in Hillsborough County, Florida, who need more flexibility and support than what’s typically available in traditional schools have a new way to earn their high school diploma.

When it opens in July, Hillsborough Acceleration Academies will provide an alternative learning experience designed for high school students who have fallen behind on credits or left school before graduating, helping them reconnect with their education and work toward a high school diploma.

As a Hillsborough County Public Schools partner in education, Hillsborough Acceleration Academies works alongside the district to expand graduation pathways for students.

“Hillsborough Acceleration Academies is here to ensure that students in our community know they still have a path to a high school diploma, no matter what challenges they’ve faced along the way,” said Michael Rowan, Director of Hillsborough Acceleration Academies. “Our goal is to help students across Hillsborough County who simply need a more flexible and supportive learning environment to succeed. By meeting students where they are and helping them overcome barriers, we can help them regain confidence, earn their diploma and build a stronger future for themselves, their families and our community.”

With a mission to remove academic and non-academic barriers that have historically made earning a high school diploma challenging for some students, Hillsborough 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.

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.

Students are called ​ “graduation candidates” to continually remind them of their goal — to graduate from high school so that they can move on to college, the military, trade schools or career.

“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. Hillsborough 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 students build brighter futures.”

Hillsborough Acceleration Academies is located inside Adams Middle School in Tampa. The program is open to Hillsborough County residents ages 14–20 who are eligible for grades 9–12 and are seeking a flexible, supportive pathway to earn their high school diploma before age 21.

Learn more about the program at https://accelerationacademies.org/our-locations/florida/hillsborough-county/

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. 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.