Rowan Academy leaders and students outline growth, programs and community supports

Rowan Academy administrators, teachers and students told the Rowan County Board of Education on Jan. 21 that the school has grown from about 50 students to roughly 150 and is expanding in-person, virtual and adult diploma offerings.

The presentation, given during the board’s special called meeting, described Rowan Academy’s mission to provide a “safe, personalized and structured environment” and highlighted the school’s RAISE (virtual), RAIN (in-person), RAD (adult diploma) and IDR (in-district removal) programs as reasons for recent student success.

The academy’s counselor, April Atkins, told the board the school’s virtual enrollment expanded from a single teacher to four and that the district now serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade in that program. “We personalize our education again for every student's needs,” Atkins said. She described seven students taking college and AP courses, one student who had already completed graduation requirements, and 12 students in work-based learning placement.

Student speakers illustrated the programs’ effects. Paxton Mendables, identified by presenters as the academy’s first graduate, said a fast-track program let him complete junior and senior work quickly so he could focus on career training. “By the end of October, I completed my junior and senior year which allowed me to focus on my career,” Mendables said.

Presenters described vocational pathways: staff said student Gavin Polly is taking dual-credit welding courses at MCTC (Maysville Community and Technical College) and expected to finish with a credential. They also described the RAD adult diploma program, saying four adult learners currently are working to complete a standard high school diploma (not a GED) because they need six or fewer credits.

The in-district removal (IDR) program was presented as an alternative to home suspension that keeps students academically engaged. Presenters reported 88 days assigned to IDR in the first semester and “over 50 unique students” from three district schools served so far.

Presenters also described family engagement events, clubs offered by virtual teachers, community partnerships such as visits by a bookmobile and local businesses providing meals, and social-emotional activities. A family survey the presenters shared indicated families report feeling welcomed, respected and that their children are safe and cared for.

Board members and the superintendent thanked Rowan Academy staff and the students who attended. The board chair called the presentation “impressive,” and directors invited more visits to see the program in person.

Rowan Academy staff asked the board to note the school had temporarily capped enrollment at 150; presenters said the cap could be revisited. They also invited the board to visit classrooms and meet students.

The presentation occupied the public-program portion of the meeting; it was followed by regular board business, including officer elections and budget items that were separate agenda items.