Marion County Acceleration Academies: helping high school students graduate and progress

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Wednesday at Marion County Acceleration Academies, a school that helps students ages 14-21 who left high school before graduation obtain their diploma.

The school is located on the upper level of The Cascades plaza, 1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Unit 222, in Ocala.

Mako Velez, 18, of Ocala, left public school in the 10th grade about two years ago.

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According to a narrative on the organization’s website, accelerationacademies.org/blog/2022-12-19-at-new-marion-academy-i-feel-much-better-here-than-at-any-other-school/ ,Velez was frustrated by the demands and constraints of attending a traditional school and the lack of one-on-one teaching support.

These factors, coupled with medical issues, caused her to leave traditional school.

She has attended Marion County Acceleration Academies here since August, when the school opened. She now is about four credits short of graduating with an accredited high school diploma. She has a career goal of working as an artist possibly in graphics or character art.

“(It will be) a huge burden lifted when this is completed,” she said.

Helping high schoolers get back on track

Mark Graves, Acceleration Academies co-founder, executive vice president and chief engagement officer, said the school provides a second chance for students who might “fall between the cracks.”

He said students can have a flexible schedule and the tuition is state funded, which means there is no cost to the students or the school district.

Kevin Christian, director of public relations for Marion County Public Schools, stated in an email that MCPS “contracts with Marino Acceleration Academies to provide services to these students” and funding is “per student,” which would have otherwise been lost on students who leave school.

The Marion County Acceleration Academies has about 220 students or “graduate candidates” and 75 “in the pipeline,” Graves said.

“The diploma (earned) is not a GED. It’s the real McCoy,” he said.

“This is a vision coming to life,” Graves said during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

What is this school like?

The teaching area in the Cascades location is spacious and has booth settings, tables and a more traditional room available.

Two students present on Tuesday said they enjoy attending the school. One has a career goal of working with the FBI and the other would like to get into acting and the performing arts. One of the youth said the staff was “so supportive.”

Another student, 17, said his situation is better at Marion County Accelerated Academies than it would be at a conventional school. He has about five credits remaining to complete. His career interests include driving and photography.

Marquise McGriff is a graduate candidate advocate, which is similar to a student counselor at the school. His role includes supporting students.

School Superintendent Diane Gullett and members of the Marion County School Board also joined Acceleration Academies officials, school staff and teachers at The Cascades for Tuesday's event.

Gullet said during the ribbon cutting ceremony she is “so grateful” for the school.

“(This is) a life changer for students,” she said. She added that Marion County Acceleration Academies Director Wayne Livingston “truly believes in the future.”

Livingston said during the ceremony the school welcomes students with “warm hearts (and) open hearts.”

Livingston is a 35-year veteran of special education, a former sports coach, and a school principal, according to a press release for the event. He said the school can make a “difference in (students') lives” and ”help with their success“ and making their “dream come true.”

Livingston said later “everyone (student) is different. The challenge and goal is to meet them where they are.”

Acceleration Academies co-founder Joseph Wise praised MCPS and said “no obstacle was too big.”

Wise said he was “so proud” of the 10-year history of Acceleration Academies, which helps students go out and “conquer things in the country to make our country stronger.”

He called Livingston a “consummate leader.”

School Board member Eric Cummings said the school was “very much needed” and provides a valuable opportunity for people to earn their diploma.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, math teacher Robert Boulais proctored student Robert Jean,19, on a math test on his personal computer.

Signage at the ribbon cutting ceremony indicated in part “web based curriculum with in-person learning; individualized learning plans; and, career planning and life coaching,” are available at the school.

The Acceleration Academies website, accelerationacademies.org, states the leading centers can provide a “fresh start.”

“Our learning centers feel more like home and less like school,” the website states.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Marion County Acceleration Academies helps high schoolers get on track