Jacob R. was an active and busy kid who had trouble focusing. His home life was rocky, sometimes living out of hotels or in the family car, and as a teen he ended up in a group home. Fortunately, his grandmother gained custody of him when he was 16 and he has lived with her ever since.
School wasn’t easy for Jacob, even though he is a smart kid. Online instruction during the pandemic was too challenging, so he dropped out until schools reopened. Due to some past behavioral issues, he was referred to an alternative school for students who have an IEP (individual education plan) with the thought that he could get the extra help he needed.
But it wasn’t to be. He felt the school didn’t treat its students well and Jacob became frustrated. So, they suggested he go to our school to catch up on credits…and that’s when everything changed.
“Attending this school was a breeze once I started getting my work done,” he said. “I struggled with English and needed to work to support myself. My teachers were so helpful and worked with me to make sure that I got the support I needed.”
His school counselor helped him with his senior plan for graduation and encouraged him to attend financial literacy workshops. “Plus, they helped me sign up for college, which was very much appreciated.”
Until he came to this school, Jacob didn’t experience most of the typical high school activities. His favorite memory was attending his senior prom – a fun way to end his high school career.
Now Jacob wants to be a teacher so he can help students the way his teachers, Mr. Medlock, Mrs. Kirkorian and Ms. Blevins, helped him. He will enroll at a community college this fall to pursue an associate degree, then wants to transfer to a four-year college to get his BA and teaching credential.