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School board approves contract with Acceleration Academies for alternative placements and dropout retrieval
Summary
The Santa Rosa County School Board voted unanimously to approve a contract with Acceleration Academies to provide alternative placement behavioral programming and dropout-retrieval services for students in grades 6-12.
The Santa Rosa County School Board voted May 1 to approve an agreement with Acceleration Academies to provide alternative placement and dropout-retrieval programming starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Barber described the contract as an option for students who need alternative placement for disciplinary reasons and for students who are credit-deficient. "They also have an excellent record around the nation and in Florida with dropout retrieval," Dr. Barber said, noting she had checked references with other superintendents.
Mark Graves, a co-founder of Acceleration Academies, told the board the organization operates a research-based blended learning model designed to help young people recapture credits and earn a diploma. "We're really excited to get started," Graves said, adding the company operates 23 academies nationwide and serves seven Florida school districts.
Board members asked questions during the briefing; the contract was put to a voice vote and carried unanimously. The contract authorizes the district to partner with Acceleration Academies and to move forward with program implementation subject to the terms of the agreement.
Board packet materials describe the program as delivering alternative placement behavioral supports and credit-recovery services for students two or more years behind in grades 6-12; the district will oversee implementation and may provide further details about locations and student referrals as plans progress.
