Washington Students Earn High School Diploma Through Student-Centered Partnership with Bethel School District
Bethel Acceleration Academies operates hybrid and fully virtual high school pathways that help students get back on track, graduate.
SPANAWAY, Wash. – April 30, 2026 - On Tuesday, 66 students from Bethel Acceleration Academies in Spanaway walked across the stage to collect their high school diplomas thanks to an innovative partnership between Bethel School District and Acceleration Academies. The ceremony is especially meaningful for these students, who found in Bethel Acceleration Academies an alternative path to graduation — one that provided the academic and personal support they needed to earn their high school diplomas.
The April 28 ceremony commenced at 6 p.m. while families and other supporters cheered as the students crossed the stage to accept their diplomas.
“Today we celebrate and recognize over 60 extraordinary students for reaching what might have felt like an impossible goal only a few years ago. These fine young people have persevered through health issues, family challenges, homelessness, poverty and other situations that could have ended any hope they had of graduating from high school," said Kevin Torres, Bethel Acceleration Academies Director. “We will miss working with these students now that they have graduated, but want every one of them to know that we are here for them, to support them as they move forward to pursue the next steps in their academic and personal journeys.”
As a partner with Bethel School District, students enrolled at Bethel Acceleration Academies can choose between a hybrid program that pairs online classes with in-person support at the Spanaway academy, or a fully virtual program. Both pathways are free, accredited, lead to a district-issued high school diploma and offer flexibility that allows students to focus on one course at a time and complete assignments around their own schedule. Bethel Acceleration Academies is an approved online provider through the Washington Choice Transfer Program and the Open Doors Program. Students do not have to live in Bethel School District to enroll.
“Attending Bethel Acceleration Academies was 100% better than in-person school. Compared to having to go to school, the work is better than just having a bunch of math sheets or schoolwork to finish. Everything is online and easier to understand and get done. I was able to get one-on-one help from the coaches [teachers] which made it easier for me to do my schoolwork,” said Jordan Lee, Bethel Acceleration Academies graduate.
“My personal congratulations goes to every one of the Bethel Acceleration Academies graduates. It is very gratifying to know that as they walk across the stage to collect their diplomas, they are setting out on their adult journey with a solid academic foundation. 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 and every opportunity ahead of them,” said Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies.
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
Note to media: Interviews with recent graduates can be arranged upon request. If you wish to be notified when additional photos are available or need anything immediately, please reach out to alyssa@pandopublicrelations.com.
(left to right) Assistant Director Justin Kirsch, Sharp Award Winner Ais'john Bell, and Graduation Candidate Advocate Ray McAdam celebrate Bethel Acceleration Academies graduation. Photo courtesy of Acceleration Academies
Graduation Candidate Advocate Heather Lebron adjusts Rogelio Garcia cap in anticipation of Bethel Acceleration Academies graduation ceremony. Photo courtsey of Acceleration Academies
