Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy graduates 25 at risk students
- Heather Harman
- Jun 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Twenty-five students from Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, received their high school diplomas on Thursday, June 12th. These students, who had faced challenges in traditional schools, successfully completed the program designed to reengage those at risk of dropping out. The graduation ceremony marked a significant achievement for these individuals, highlighting the academic and personal assistance they received at CSAA.
The Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy ceremony commenced at 10:00 a.m. at HGTC Grand Strand Conference and Business Center. Students celebrated with their families and other supporters. Dr. Perry Mills, Chief Opportunity Zone Officer of South Carolina Public Charter School District attended and addressed the students.
“Congratulations to every student who is graduating today. We call our students ‘Graduation Candidates’ for the entire time they are with us, but today they are officially High School Graduates!” said Deirdra Brasch, EdD, Academy Director at CSAA. “It has been an honor to work with them all, as they struggled through personal and academic challenges. We are inspired by your dedication, grit and determination to cross the finish line.”
Acceleration Academies offers a free alternative pathway to a high school diploma that combines in person and online study with coaching and support for students who need a more flexible option. Their unique approach meets each student where they are with a balance between autonomy and the support they need to complete the required courses to earn their high school diploma.
Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy is a South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) high school. Like all public school programs, CSAA is free of charge for high school aged students who want to earn their diplomas. Most of the CSAA students were struggling in traditional schools and were unlikely to finish high school without extra support and flexibility the Acceleration Academy schools offer. However, there are also students who need the flexibility of a non-traditional school to accommodate family obligations, working full time, or their pursuit of athletics or music and other endeavors like Performing Arts.
“We celebrate with our Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy graduates today and thank them all for their hard work to reach this important milestone. 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 with every opportunity ahead of them,” said Kelli Campbell, CEO of Acceleration Academies.
About Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy
Acceleration Academies is guiding more than 6,500 students toward high school graduation across 20 academies in six states. A recent report by Education Week highlighted the network’s efforts to re-engage students post-pandemic. By offering a mix of in-person and remote classes, personalized learning strategies, adaptable timetables, and mentorship for career/life skills, Acceleration Academies supports students who might face challenges in achieving their diploma. Further details can be found at accelerationacademies.org.
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