Our Program

• The Academy is an application and interview-based school of choice for students in grades 9 – 12.
• Students must meet one or more of the state’s 13 identifying at risk criteria.  According to state criteria, a student in grades K-12 is classified as at-risk of dropping out of school if they meet one or more of the following items:

 

1.       A preK, K, or grade 1,2, or 3 student who did not perform satisfactorily on a readiness test;

2.       Did not maintain a 70 average on a scale of 100 in grades 7-12 in 2 or more core subjects during a semester;

3.       Did not advance from one grade to the next;

4.       Did not perform satisfactorily on a state assessment instrument (STAAR/EOC);

5.       Is pregnant or a parent;

6.       Has been in Disciplinary Alternative Educational Placement (DAEP) during the past or current school year;

7.       Has been expelled during the preceding or current school year;

8.       Is currently on parole, probation, deferred prosecution, or other conditional release;

9.       Was previously reported as a drop out;

10.   Is a student of Limited English Proficiency;

11.   Is in the custody of CPS or during this school year has been referred to CPS by school, court, or law enforcement;

12.   Is homeless; and/or

13.   Resided in residential placement the preceding or current school year.

 

• Computer-based classes are available for students who need to recover credits for graduation and/or are interested in early graduation. 
• Students may graduate earlier than their anticipated cohort year; however, they must earn a 26-credit Recommended w/Endorsement diploma to graduate early.
• General instruction is provided in a teacher-instructed classroom with class sizes of 15 students or less.
• Academy students may earn credits towards a 22-credit Foundation diploma, 26-credit Recommended w/Endorsement diploma, or 26-credit Distinguished diploma.
• Students graduating from The Academy will receive an LPISD Academy of Viola DeWalt high school diploma.
• Intentional social-emotional issues are addressed through restorative practices and positive relationships.