ACE Shines at National Alternative Education Conference

Our Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) leaders recently presented at the 25th annual National Alternative Education Association Conference to share the secrets and successes to our award-winning conversion charter school.

During their session titled, “Navigating through the Game of Life,” ACE Principal Michele Evans shared exemplary practices ACE utilizes to help with family engagement, especially for their seniors. They also shared ways ACE works with parents/guardians and students to support personal success.

Principal Evans says ACE's two senior advisors, Breanne Selah and Kathy Peters, also did an extraordinary job explaining the strategies they use to encourage seniors to “Ring the Bell,” and earn their diploma.

ACE offers virtual learning to students in grades 7th-12th. The mission of ACE is to increase the achievement of every student by providing anywhere, anytime learning in a non-traditional educational setting. 

ACE utilizes a digital curriculum as well as project based and small group instruction. It is a perfect fit for students who work well in a self-directed environment and are highly motivated. With their assigned advisor, students and parents/guardians develop an individualized graduation plan.

Earlier this year, ACE was honored with the "Carolyn Pollan's Highest Achieving Alternative Education Programs" Award. This award is based on scores from the spring 2018 ACT Aspire exams. ACE achieved the highest composite growth in all four academic areas (English, Reading, Math, and Science) for a program that serves over 200 students.

The ACE program is housed at two separate locations. Each location serves students similarly, but each location is unique. These programs offer flexible schedules ranging from nine hours of required seat time per week at ACE to a full-time schedule at ACE-North which is housed. The ultimate goal is to help students, despite unimaginable barriers, find success.

ACE also offers the unique opportunity to enable certified teachers to work face-to-face with our homeschool parents and students. In fact, students can receive a high school diploma without ever being on a regular campus.

During the NAEA Conference, Principal Evans and staff members also had the opportunity to visit with the new Arkansas Department of Education Director of Alternative Education, Jared Hogue. As well as the NAEA Region 6 Director, Dr. Coby Davis who is from Springdale, Arkansas.

We are extremely proud of the Academic Center of Excellence, its faculty, staff, and students. Students are accepted through an application process. If you would like more information or to schedule a tour, contact ACE at (501) 743-3520.