Advancement Academy

The academy is an alternative education program for students grades 7 through 12. Students are admitted only at the beginning of each semester and priority is given to students already attending Pinconning Area Schools.

Alternative education students may take Band or Chorus during the school day and are encouraged to try out for middle or high school athletics.

Bus transportation is provided and breakfast and hot lunches are available.

Call 989.879.3251 for more information about this program.

Typical alternative education students are:

• Middle school and high school aged youth who are often functioning below their grade level
• Students who do not succeed with traditional methods of instruction and testing and are referred by sending school administrators
• Kids who feel they "don't belong" in traditional schools
• Young people with diagnosed depressive disorders, or other emotional problems, some with suicidal tendencies who need a more supportive school environment
• The "invisible" kids who fall through the cracks, often un-noticed, in schools with large populations

Where do they come from:

• From area schools where they feel unwanted
• From schools where they aren't succeeding and have fallen too far behind in their classes
• From schools where they aren't attending due to family problems, emotional or health problems that leave them feeling hopeless and discouraged
• From home situations that are not working for the students or the parents

Why do they come to alternative education?

• For smaller schools and smaller classes
• For more individualized instruction
• For more experiential learning opportunities
• For more supportive, caring environment
• To be recognized as valued individuals
• To feel safer and more welcome in schools where they hope to find success
• Because they have a strong desire to graduate from high school
• Because they feel alternative education is their only chance to succeed
• Because they have failed three core subjects in middle school

Due to space limitations, students are accepted in the following order:

• Currently attending academy students in good standing
• Currently attending Pinconning Areas Schools students who meet the criteria and are referred by sending school administrators
• District residents between the ages of 13-16, not currently attending any school

Out of district students between the ages of 13-16 who meet the following criteria:

• Written recommendation from current school administrator
• Submission of 500 word essay explaining why the student should be admitted to the program