Myrtle Beach Students Who Might Not Have Completed High School Are Now Graduates Thanks to Flexible Learning Pathway
Acceleration Academy operates a non-traditional charter school to help Myrtle Beach-area students earn their high school diplomas.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – June 9, 2026 - Last week, 47 students from Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas, marking the culmination of a journey that looked different for each graduate. As a public charter high school designed to offer flexible pathways to academic success, Carolina Shores serves students who have a wide range of goals and circumstances. For these graduates, the combination of personalized support, flexible learning options and a student-centered approach helped them take the next step toward their futures.
“Achievement isn’t defined only by the result, but by the effort and steps it took to get there,” said graduate Ellanore “Ella” Cashwell.
The June 4 ceremony commenced at 10:00 am, while families and other supporters cheered as students crossed the stage to accept their diplomas. Chris Neeley, Superintendent of South Carolina Public Charter School District and Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies, attended and addressed the students.
“We celebrate with our Carolina Shores 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.
Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school authorized by the South Carolina Public Charter School District and accredited by Cognia. As an Alternative Education Campus (AEC), Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy provides a flexible, personalized pathway for students up to age 20 who need an alternative route to graduation.
Many graduates overcame academic, personal or life barriers before re-engaging in school. Through flexible scheduling, blended learning and personalized support, they earned their diplomas while balancing work, family responsibilities, career training, dual-enrollment and other commitments.
“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 Michele Klein, Interim Director at Carolina Shores 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
Students from Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy Kaeleigh Peterson, Jenna Shores, Christian Smith, Caysie Switzer, and Keegan Woodward celebrate their graduation. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies.
Students from Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy Tomaj Keels, Ze'Onna Davis, Jackson Delaney, Lexi Atkinson, Nile Bace, Ky' Marrie Goodman, Marcus Barroso, and Trinity Carolina celebrate their graduation. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies.