The graduating students at the Dallas Can Academy in Carrollton/Farmers Branch didn’t see their future as clearly as they do now. The 25 graduates this spring benefitted from the values and the structure that Dallas Can Academies provided them to continue their education when all else failed. Most of these graduating students struggled in a traditional high school setting or were looking for an alternative to continue their education and have flexibility to work, raise a child or do both.
Individualized learning that puts the student in the driver’s seat, but surrounds them with committed teachers and staff so they don’t fall through the cracks allows a struggling student to become a productive student. Flexible schedules provide options for students to attend morning or afternoon classes in order to maintain a job or tend to a loved one or child and is sometimes all these young adults need to make the choice to stay in school.
“We embrace these kids from all backgrounds and circumstances and give them a place to thrive and work towards becoming the person they can be proud of”, said Tony Swafford, principal at Dallas Can Academy Carrollton/Farmers Branch campus.
This month, the faculty of Dallas Can Academies, part of the Texans Can Academies charter school district, will shake hands and hug 379 graduating students from the five campuses in Dallas. The students of Dallas Can Academies have overcome obstacles to complete their education. Each student is enrolled in the school by choice. They realize the value of returning to high school and working to earn their diplomas.
A significant percentage of the graduates have been accepted to college, which is especially impressive because most of the students are coded as drop-outs or considered at-risk youth. Many of these students enter high school without a dream of college, but with the one-on-one relationships between students and teachers at the Texans Can schools, the dream of college becomes a reality. Students are encouraged to continue to stay in touch with their teachers after graduation for mentorship and support.
“We see many of our students coming back to our campus to either seek help with studies or just to come and chat with a former teacher. We encourage this continued connection with all of our students,” said Swafford.
About Texans Can Academies
Celebrating more than 30 years of providing the highest quality education for all students, Texans Can schools are graduating thinkers. Texans Can Academies are a unique network of 11 charter schools located in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The schools are tuition-free, open enrollment, public high schools of choice serving students who have struggled in a traditional high school setting. To date, more than 115,000 youth have been given a second chance at life with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Cars for Kids is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization benefiting Texans Can Academies and is the only car donation program in Texas that is operated by the charity it serves. For more information, visit: http://www.texanscan.org or http://www.carsforkids.org.