Boosting Graduation Rates: St. Lucie Public Schools' Innovative, Multi-Tiered Approach

A decade and a half ago, the St. Lucie County public school district grappled with a major challenge: a graduation rate that had fallen to 65%. Recognizing the urgent need for change, district leaders embarked on a mission to transform their educational landscape. By implementing a multi-tiered strategy and expanding support programming, they successfully created an environment where every student had the opportunity to succeed.

Early Identification Of At-Risk Students

Identifying students at risk of failure early in their based on grades and test scores, and targeting them for intensive help.

Dedicated Support For Struggling Students

Becoming the first district in Florida to create a cadre of dedicated graduation coaches to focus on struggling students and get them the assistance they need.

Purpose-Driven Partnership

Refining the district’s in-house network of alternative education programs to support students who struggle in the traditional classroom setting.

Community Growth Through Education

“For every child, sometimes they just need advocates — somebody that’s going to be there in their corner and just stay on them to finish. If these kids graduate from high school, then they also get opportunities for pathways for career and technical education and, for some, college. It’s life-transforming.”

- Superintendent Dr. Jon Prince, St. Lucie Public Schools

Voices of Impact

Perspectives And Insight From The Community

We saw an opportunity with Acceleration Academies to show that all kids matter. We’ve been relentless. We don’t quit on kids. We re-engage them even if they’ve been out of school for a year or 18 months.

Dr. Jon Price

Superintendent, SLPS

The value for young people who seize the opportunity to earn their diploma and move on to college and careers is priceless.

Paige Latham

Director, St. Lucie Acceleration Academies

Without Acceleration Academies, I probably never would have attempted to get my high school diploma. They pushed me every day, saying, ‘Come on Summer, you need to come in and do your work.

Summer Worthington

Graduate, St. Lucie Acceleration Academies

When I went in to St. Lucie Acceleration Academies for the first time, all the teachers were very welcoming. It was so important knowing that I had teachers who were there for me.

Chad Dawson