Acceleration Academies_Spring2023_Pathways Magazine

saw a flier at the grocery store about a new kind of
school, one with a welcoming environment, personalized
approach and ample one-on-one coaching —
Lowcountry Acceleration Academy.
When she walked into the LAA campus, Olivia knew
she had found a very different school. Rather than
rows of desks, LAA offers comfortable chairs and
tables where students can work alone or in small
groups. “My first impression was just like, wow! I
had never seen a school that
looked like a coffee shop.”
Once she enrolled, she
found that the spirit of
welcome stretched beyond
the physical space and into
the way the educators and
advisors worked with her.
She cited, for example,
English language arts coach
Bria Burke-Koskela and the
regular academic and moral support she provides.
“Most teachers are like ‘Do your work, you have to
get this done!’ “ says Olivia. “She just really takes the
time to get to know her students.”
Graduation candidate advocate Quentin Morrison has
also been a big help. “He’s constantly checking in,”
says Olivia. “It’s not always about school, it’s about
“He’s constantly checking in,”
says Olivia. “It’s not always
about school, it’s about whether
you’re doing okay — and I just
really appreciate that.”
LOWCOUNTRY ACCELERATION ACADEMY
whether you’re doing okay — and I just really
appreciate that.”
While graduation candidates are expected to
stay on task, they’re also given the freedom
to take study breaks when they need it, to use
the restroom without obtaining a hall pass, and
to help themselves to snacks and drinks in the
cafe.
“At regular schools,
you aren’t able to
eat except at lunch,”
Olivia says. “I’m a
diabetic and I need to
be able to stop and eat
sometimes.”
Olivia has also found
a welcoming community
of fellow learners.
She’s had some
struggles with mental health, and she has found
a spirit of embrace among graduation candidates
who have had struggles of their own and
are determined to rise above.
“I’ve struggled with my mental health for a
long time,” she says. “A lot of these students
have had the same experience as me. It makes
me feel safe. I don’t feel ashamed.”
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