More Details on La Grange’s New Academy to Help At-Risk Students Graduate
La Grange ISD will implement a new program into the high school curriculum. The program will be called Leopard Academy and will be an alternative school for students who are at-risk.
Criteria to be considered by the application committee are:
• At risk of not graduating on time, due to loss of credit
• Medical reasons resulting in loss of credits
• Ideally passed all end of course exams (EOCs) except US History
• Attendance issues resulting in loss of credit
• Emotional issues
• Highly self-motivated
• Capable of and willing to work independently Conditions of enrollment include:
• Admission priority will be given to the prior year graduating cohorts (5th-year graduates), then current year cohorts, followed by next year cohorts.
• If deemed a viable candidate for the Leopard Academy, there will be a mandatory student and parent enrollment meeting to review expectations and graduation needs.
• The student will graduate on the Foundation Minimum High School Plan with 22 credits. Parents must complete the Minimum Plan form at the initial enrollment meeting. The Foundation High School graduation requirements are: 4 English credits, 3 math credits, 3 science credits, 4 social studies credits, 2 languages other than English credits, 1 fine art credit, 1 physical education credit, ½ speech credit, and 3.5 elective credits, for a total of 22 credits. The student must pass 5 EOCs.
• The student will need to complete the FAFSA (college financial aid form) – required to graduate from a Texas high school.
• The student will complete the required trainings – Peace officer interaction and CPR/ AED exposure.
• The credits will be completed using the Edgenuity program on a 3.0 GPA scale.
• All state assessments must be completed and passed.
• The student will graduate and be issued a diploma upon graduation.
• The student will NOT participate in the La Grange High School formal graduation ceremony. A separate ceremony will be held.
• The student will follow all expectations set forth by the Leopard Academy and La Grange High School.
The program will be housed at the Norma Webb Center. Former high school administrator Brad Harbers will be the teacher on site at the academy. There is a maximum number of 12 students allowed in the academy at any one time. As students complete the program, other students can be added. Smithville ISD currently has a program similar to this called Tiger Academy. To be eligible for enrollment at the Leopard Academy, a student must have completed the application process, including an interview with staff, and then be notified of selection for the program. Application for Leopard Academy does not guarantee acceptance into the program.