Advancing Two Grades in a Single Year
Star Academy was designed to promote academically-behind, over-aged students two grade levels in a single year – in most cases, catching them up to their former peers – for a powerful boost in self-esteem.
CASE STUDY
Mississippi Schools
Since 2014, five Star Academy programs in rural Mississippi have seen retention rates rise to 92%, while 84% of enrollees advanced two grade levels in a single year.
ADVANCEMENT
RETENTION
Boosting Retention and Graduation Rates
National statistics state that on average, 90% of students who fail one year will ultimately drop out. Star Academy data shows a dramatically improved rate of retention. Over the years, the program has documented a remarkable 95% retention rate among held-back students, reversing the 90% drop-out rate.
CASE STUDY
George County, Mississippi
Since implementing Star Academy, schools in George County, Mississippi have seen tremendous improvement in their graduation rate – from 67% at the inception of the program to 95% in 2020, earning George County the fourth-highest graduation rate in the state.
MOBILE COUNTY SCHOOLS
2012-Current
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOLS
2012-Current
MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOLS
2012-Current
CASE STUDY
Alabama Schools
Three county school districts in Alabama were struggling to keep students moving ahead and graduating. Since introducing Star Academy, they’ve reported astounding rates of students either awarded diplomas or “on track to graduate.”
Lifting Test Scores and Grades
Star Academy students participate in all mandated standardized testing and consistently see impressive spikes in their test scores, instilling pride and self-confidence.
CASE STUDY
Berrien County, Georgia
Since implementing the Star Academy program, schools in Berrien County, Georgia have experienced impressive standardized test score improvements.
In addition, they have reported a striking 71% increase in student attendance rates, and in 2020, that 98% of its Star Academy completers were still in school and on-track to graduate.
STANDARDIZED TEST PASS RATE: Literature
STANDARDIZED TEST PASS RATE:
Algebra
STANDARDIZED TEST PASS RATE:
Geometry
Improving Discipline and Responsibility
Star Academy students typically display striking improvements in responsibility and behavior, with absenteeism and disciplinary referrals reduced by nearly 90%.
CASE STUDY
The Pathways School
With their Star Academy program up and running, Mobile’s Pathway School experienced an 89% decrease in absenteeism and an 88% drop in disciplinary referrals after only three months of the program as compared to the prior year.
ABSENTEEISM
89% Decrease
DISCIPLINE REFERRALS
88% Decrease
Employability Skills for Lifelong Success
Star Academy educates the whole student. This means not just keeping them in school and getting them back on track academically, but also giving them the social skills, discipline, and self-confidence to thrive in a job of their choosing.
After only a short time in a Star Academy program, students begin to demonstrate marked improvements in the kinds of behaviors and habits that will serve them throughout their lives. These include measurable ones – such as fewer disciplinary referrals and absences – and less obvious but equally important ones, such as boosted self-esteem, engagement, and respect for others.
Students learn to collaborate with peers, manage their time, and prioritize what’s important. It’s common to see kids who were once distracted and uninvolved in learning make a radical shift towards eager participation and pride in their accomplishments.
This is a powerful basis for future success in a job.
National Dropout Prevention Center
3-Time Winner, Crystal Star Award Recipient
Star Academy’s remarkable success in dropout prevention has won the program three Crystal Star Awards from the National Dropout Prevention Center. This elite recognition goes only to intervention programs proven to dramatically improve graduation rates.
What Students and Educators are Saying About Star Academy
“Attendance has improved, disciplinary referrals have dropped, scores are improving. Star Academy is bringing noticeable changes.”
Lockwood Bonin, Assistant Principal, Franklin Junior High School, Franklin, LA
“It is hands-on and you get help when you want it. There are no distractions, the classes are smaller, and everyone is working on their own thing.”
Caleb, Explore Academy, Pine Bluff, AR
“Star Academy addresses the whole student, and equipped me with the tools I need to reach them where they’re at – both academically and behaviorally.”
Melissa Harris, Science Teacher, Mobile County Schools
“My experience with Star Academy is fantastic. I love doing experiments every day that show you how it is in the real world.”
Student, Franklin Junior High School, Franklin, LA
“You should see the joy on the faces of students when they are completing the science experiments.”
Administrator, Explore Academy, Pine Bluff, AR
“Star Academy is a life changer and I’m glad I did it. I encourage any student who needs to get back on track to be part of it.”
Dylan Lawrence, Former Student, George County Schools
“One of the main things parents say is that it gave them hope, and continues to give them hope, for their child’s future.”
