St. Lucie County Students Who Might Not Have Completed High School Are Now High School Graduates Thanks to a Unique Partnership

St. Lucie County, Fla.– January 20, 2026 - ​ Last week about 119 students from St. Lucie Acceleration Academies walked across the stage to collect their high school diplomas thanks to an innovative partnership between St. Lucie 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 St. Lucie Acceleration Academies. 

The ceremony commenced the morning of January 14 at Fort Pierce Central High School in Fort Pierce while families and other supporters cheered as students crossed the stage to accept their diplomas. Graduates, their families and staff then celebrated with reception at ​ the Port St. Lucie academy campus location.

“This is no ordinary graduation — and this is no ordinary school. As an alternative pathway to a diploma, we pride ourselves on being a place where students don’t have to fit a mold to succeed. Here, we see your story. We hear your voice. And we recognize that success doesn’t always wear a cap and gown — but today, it does. Many of you balanced school with work. Many overcame personal struggles that no teenager should ever have to face. Quite a few of you walked back through our doors after thinking you never would. And many of you found, for the first time, a place where you could be successful. You’ve taught us — your teachers, your advocates, and me — what resilience really looks like,” said Paige Latham, St. Lucie Academy Director, during her speech to the graduates.

Acceleration Academies is a free alternative pathway to a high school diploma that combines in-person and online study with coaching and support for students who might not have otherwise graduated. Most of the St. Lucie Acceleration Academies students were struggling in traditional schools and were unlikely to finish high school without the extra support and flexibility the Acceleration Academies schools offer. In part because of their strategic partnership with Acceleration Academies, St. Lucie Public Schools now boasts a sustained graduation rate of 94%. 

St. Lucie Acceleration Academies operates two campuses in partnership with St. Lucie Public Schools. Like all public school programs, St. Lucie Acceleration Academies is free of charge for high school aged students who want to earn their diplomas. Students can choose St. Lucie Acceleration Academies 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. 

About Acceleration Academies
​Over 6,400 students are pursuing their path to a high school diploma through Acceleration Academies, which operates 20 academies in six states. Acceleration Academies provides a blend of in-person and remote coursework, personalized 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.