Marion County Students Who Might Not Otherwise Have Graduated Earned Their High School Diplomas This Year Thanks to a Unique Partnership
Marion County Public Schools with Acceleration Academies Operates a Non-Traditional School to Help At-Risk Students in Marion County Earn their High School Diplomas
OCALA, Fla. – June 18, 2025 - Today, 34 students of Marion County Acceleration Academies (MCAA) were honored as they collected their high school diplomas thanks to an innovative partnership between Marion 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 Marion County Acceleration Academies.
The ceremony commenced at 1pm at 1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Unit 222. In addition to students with their families and other supporters, Valtena Brown, Regional Vice President of Acceleration Academies addressed the students.
“This is the kind of celebration that one never tires of seeing. 34 graduation candidates are now high school graduates!” said Keyana Lyde, Ed.D., the MCAA Academy Director. “Every student in this MCAA Class of 2025 has persevered through challenges that could have derailed them from earning a diploma. Reaching this point is as exciting for them as it is for us and we can’t wait to see the next steps on their personal and academic journeys.”
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 MCAA 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 how a recent MCAA graduate who had trouble focusing on traditional school realized his potential here.
Marion County Acceleration Academies operates in partnership with The School District of Marion County. Like all public school programs, MCAA free of charge for high school aged students who want to earn their diplomas. In addition to serving at-risk students, some students choose MCAA 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.
“Congratulations to our MCAA graduates. They have reached an important goal in their lives and now are setting out on their adult journey with a solid academic foundation. It has been an honor to work with them and to help them overcome the challenges that could have prevented them from becoming high school graduates. We can’t wait to learn about the next stages in their life as they pursue more education, training, or dive right into their careers,” 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. Education Week recently featured the network in a special report on re-engaging students after the pandemic. Acceleration Academies provides a blend of in-person and remote coursework, individualized 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.
Note to media: Interviews with recent graduates can be arranged upon request. Additional photographs of the ceremony and the graduates will be added soon. If you wish to be notified when available or need anything immediately, please reach out to alyssa@pandopublicrelations.com.
