Santa Rosa County District School with Acceleration Academies Opens a New Tuition-Free Public School Offering Santa Rosa Middle School and High School Students an Alternative Path To Academic Success
MILTON, Fla. – August 28, 2026 - On August 25, Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies celebrated the opening of its tuition-free school serving Santa Rosa County students. The new academy offers a hybrid learning model, expanding educational opportunities for students who may be struggling to balance school with work or family obligations or who have fallen behind on credits and may benefit from this alternative to the traditional school model.
Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies — operating in partnership with Santa Rosa County District Schools — offers two education pathways for students. The first is a dropout re-engagement program for high school-aged students who face obstacles that have prevented them from progressing in high school. It also may suit students who need a different high school experience for their particular life circumstances such as managing work and family obligations while going to school.
The second pathway at Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies is for middle school-aged and high school-aged students who have been referred to the program by their local school. For students who are navigating unique challenges that make attending traditional school impossible, this program provides extra structure and support so learners can get back on track to education success.
Several district leaders were present at the ribbon cutting including Superintendent Karen Barber, Assistant Superintendent Michael Thorpe, Director of Student Services Autumn Wright, and School Board Member District 5 Scott Peden.
“Santa Rosa County Acceleration Academies is committed to student success,” said Lauren Molier, Academy Director of Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies. “By providing targeted support, flexible learning options and a student-centered approach, we help learners overcome barriers, regain confidence and unlock the opportunities they deserve. This program isn’t just about credit recovery, it’s about empowering students to thrive in school and beyond.”
Santa Rosa 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. 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.
“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. Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa students build brighter futures.”
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.
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.
