В округе Санта-Роса открыт новый центр ускоренного обучения с удвоенным набором студентов

Santa Rosa County opens new 'Acceleration Academies' facility as enrollment doubles SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. -- For some students, a traditional school day isn't the right fit. That's why Santa Rosa County now has a new alternative option. A ribbon cutting for Santa Rosa Acceleration Academies was held on Tuesday morning. The district says Acceleration Academies is about more than just graduating. Director and Principal Lauren Molier said this is about establishing career opportunities and helping set students up for the next phase of their lives. "It's super important for me to establish this place here where students can feel successful in a multitude of ways, not only academically, but socially and leadership-wise," Molier said. Acceleration Academies launched in the district in 2025, but now it's bigger and better. This year, there are 150 students enrolled. That's more than double last year. Plus, students are learning out of a new facility. "It's the best option to come to Acceleration because if you want to do what you need to do and get away from what you're running away from, this is the spot that you need to come to," said Mahlaya Burnette, an 8th grader at Acceleration Academies. "Because this is a really good school to help you get where you need to be." "At other schools, you have to hurry up and stuff," said Cooper Rine, an 8th grader at Acceleration Academies. "And I just did not like that last time." Acceleration Academies offers programs tuition-free for students ages 12 to early twenties. It's designed for those who need more flexibility, have been referred for disciplinary issues, or over-age middle schoolers. Students WEAR News talked to describe the school as focused and drama-free. "Some of these kids very... like, they really enjoy me being here," Rine said. "And that just made me so happy to hear the kids say that about me." Students are enrolled in one class at a time with three weeks to complete it. "I feel like this is better than traditional, if anything," Burnette said. "Because traditional is a little bit more on the re is on the peaceful, calming, ready to learn, you know, like able to learn instead of being around all these people that are holding you back from that." Principal Molier said the program is already seeing success. Two students from 2025's cohort are now attending Pensacola State College. Another graduate has started work as a mechanic, while others have joined the military.