ACE is a nationally-recognized model high school created for students at risk of dropping out, giving them the opportunity to graduate on time. Since its doors opened in September of 1991, the Academy has successfully assisted nearly 5,000 students in graduating. 30 years ago, District students at risk of not graduating were offered a unique option to secure a high school diploma. The personal challenges and obstacles of 1991 that threatened a student’s ambition to graduate still exist today. The Academy of Creative Education has provided the high school alternative that many students need.

Thanks to ACE and its staff, thousands of students have earned their diploma and found success in their personal and professional lives.

Here are few testimonials from former students.

 “I can honestly say ACE saved my life. Things were not going well, and deep down, I knew that I needed a major change, and that overall change was attending ACE. ACE works for students like me because the school is small, and the whole culture and environment is different. My Graduation Coach had a big heart, but was also tough on me when I needed it. The self-paced program allowed me time to get back on my feet, literally and figuratively.”

  "Before attending The Academy of Creative Education, I had heard of its "bad" reputation placed upon it by those unknowing of the actual value it holds. People often say ACE is a place for bad kids, alternative school kids, academically dishonest and unmotivated students. In reality, ACE is a place of hope. It is a place for second, third, fourth chances when it feels like everything else in life has gone completely wrong. To others, I would describe ACE as a haven for opportunity."

 "Traditional schooling was never an environment I thrived in. I had a lot to deal with constantly. During my time at school, I was in the process of being adopted. I was also attending therapy and battling bouts of depression and anger. At ACE I actually had a voice. The advisory circles done twice a week made me feel like my thoughts and opinions mattered. If I was having a hard day and struggling with the curriculum, the teachers were understanding."

 "When I was 16, my mother and I had a big fight that led to my absence from home. I had dropped out of school, and I thought I would never look back again. I was merely a child. I struggled for a long time feeling like I wasn’t going to make it. I told myself that I needed to do something, and I tried my best to go back to school. It didn’t work out well at all. I was having an extremely difficult time trying to balance school and my job since I had to make sure rent was paid. While in school, I became close to one of my counselors, and she recommended I apply at and attend ACE. During my time at ACE, there was a lot I was going through in my world. I honestly felt as if I was in a never-ending cycle. The teachers at ACE made me feel at home and the help I received was immaculate. I really felt that I could get school over with and move on with my life. Every single teacher I met built a relationship with me. I knew at that point they actually cared."

  "My time at ACE has been phenomenal. For the first time in a while, I've had motivation to actually finish school. The teachers are great here. They do everything in their power to help any student and are very reasonable. I like the fact that I can work at my pace and every half credit can be knocked out in about a month. The hours here work great with my schedule and I feel less tired after school."