Innovation Academy

ABOUT THE ANDERSON COUNTY INNOVATION ACADEMY (GRADES 9-12)

The Anderson County Innovation Academy was created to meet students’ needs outside of the regular classroom using online learning software. There are three programs within the Anderson County Innovation Academy: Bridge Academy, Anderson County Online Learning Academy, and Opportunity Credits. Certified teachers provide instruction to these students and use a “mentored learning” approach to teach high school subjects. Teachers are available during the traditional school day and for tutoring hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are able to move from assignment to assignment at their own pace, and teachers are able to guide and support students along the way.

PROGRAMS

• Anderson County Online Learning Academy (ACOLA)
  • Anderson County Online Learning Academy is a no-cost high school virtual program for students for whom a virtual education is appropriate. Students complete their school work through a virtual learning curriculum called Edmentum. Students are able to complete the curriculum from home or any place using a school-issued Chromebook and a high speed internet connection. All course unit tests and State-required tests must be completed on campus in a proctored setting.
• Bridge Academy (BRAC)
  • Bridge Academy is a drop-out prevention program for upperclassmen that provides students who are behind their graduating class the opportunity to graduate on schedule with their cohort. Freshmen are not eligible for the Bridge Academy. Over the last few years, the BRAC program has also been serving students in need of a more supportive and restrictive setting due to challenges such as anxiety and depression. Students stay in the Bridge Academy classroom all day for the entire school year, allowing them to develop strong relationships with the staff. Due to the flexibility of Edmentum, the staff is able to adapt schedules and teaching methods based on the students’ individual needs. Students in the BRAC program can take classes at ACCTC and/or at their base schools if the class is not offered in Edmentum. The BRAC classroom has the support of the entire Innovation Academy staff, including our own school counselor.
• Opportunity Credits
  • Opportunity Credits is a program focused on providing credit recovery and new credits to students who are not able to fit graduation requirements into their schedules. Using Edmentum provides a flexible learning environment for them to complete these courses online. These students come into the classroom for one or two blocks, depending on their scheduling needs, to work on assignments and to receive support from teachers.