ACE Academy Working to Offer Second Chances

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

In an effort to address the needs of students who struggle in traditional classrooms, Anderson County School District 5 is utilizing an alternative learning environment at the ACE Academy. The program, one of three non-traditional options offered by the district, aims to provide a structured, supportive and therapeutic approach to education with the ultimate goal of reintegrating students into their regular schools.

Kyle Newton, the district's Assistant Superintendent for External Affairs, said the academy's role in providing a more structured environment for students who need it. “A lot of times we have some students that need some more direct instruction, a little more a structured environment, and that's the biggest thing that ACE provides," Newton said.

The academy serves students from third through 12th grade, many of whom have been expelled from their home schools or have been placed in the program through agencies such as the Department of Social Services (DSS) or the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

"We work with kids to see where they are academically, especially our high schoolers," said Josh Bacchus, the director of the ACE Academy. "We see if they're behind and how far they're behind, and try to work on getting the credits they need so they're back on track when they get back to their regular high school." The academy served 227 students last year.