Alternative Programs

Every year, the Acceler8 Program transforms the lives of middle schoolers who have fallen behind academically. The program helps them get back on track to graduate on time from high school.

The Acceler8 Program is not a remedial program: It is an empowering program for students who have struggled to find their feet academically. Teachers and program leaders are rightfully proud of their work to help students change their futures by completing eighth grade while also earning enough high school credits.
This innovative program has a new name to better reflect its nature of strong relationships, robust school community and proven academic record of moving students to success.

Who is the ideal candidate?

The Accler8 Program is for students who:

• Are in the eighth grade for the first time or repeating the eighth grade. If the student has passed the eighth grade, this program is not for them

• Potentially thrive in an environment with increased structure, predictable routines and clear expectations

• Benefit from strong, consistent relationships with teachers and staff

• May be overage for grade level or need support accelerating academic progress

• Have experienced inconsistent school attendance and would benefit from targeted support

• Experience school-related anxiety and performs best in a calm, supportive setting

• Will follow school expectations and routines

• Demonstrate motivation to engage in learning, even if additional support is needed

• Benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction and frequent teacher interaction

• Would benefit from participation in a mentoring program focused on academic and personal growth

• Can benefit from a specialized schedule that allows completion of eighth-grade requirements while earning ninth-grade credits

How do I recommend a student for the Acceler8 Program?

Students need to get an application from their counselor or administrator at their middle school. Families will need to review and sign the application. Completed applications should be returned to the counselor, and the counselor will send the application to the Acceler8 Program staff.

What classes should we sign up for next year?

School counselors will sign your student up for classes as if you are preparing them for their next school year at their current school. All students take the same classes, and the Acceler8 Program staff will take care of their class schedules when they are accepted.

Can ESL students be served at the Acceler8 Program?

Yes. However, we do not have pull-out classes, so not all levels would be appropriate to be served at the Acceler8 Program.

Can SPED students be served at the Acceler8 Program?

Yes. We have a special education teacher who will be serving as a collaborative teacher next year. We will have collaborative classes, but no self-contained or pull-out classes. For questions about whether your students’ services can be met at the Acceler8 Program, call Mrs. Mapp, our coordinator of special education, at 804-638-5109.

Who can be considered?

Students may be in the eighth grade for the first time or repeating the eighth grade. Students must pass the seventh grade or be socially promoted to the eighth grade. If your student has passed the eighth grade, this program is not for them.

What does a typical schedule look like at an Acceler8 Program?

Students will be provided transportation by CCPS to and from their homes to the Acceler8 Program.

Acceler8 Program students will take these classes: 

• English 8

• English 9 

• Algebra 1 or Math 8

• World History 1

• Career Investigations

• Health/PE 9

• Physical Science

• Success

All classes are taught over the course of the full school year. Currently, all classes are C-level.
The classes are smaller – there are 12-15 students in each class.

Will the students who join the program be behind when they return to school?

No. Students can potentially earn up to four to five high school credits (English 9, HPE 9, Algebra 1, World History, Success) and two verified credits (Algebra 1, World History).
Students will take all the SOLs — English 8 Reading and IRW, Algebra 1 or Math 8, World History 1, Science 8.

Can they catch up with their grade-level peers if they are behind?

Yes. Students must put in the work to earn the four or five high school credits. A standard diploma is 22 credits. When students leave the Acceler8 Program, they only need to earn 17 or 18 more credits, which is possible in three years. Early graduation is a family choice; it is not mandatory. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Center programs if they attend the Acceler8 Program.

Where are Acceler8 classes held?

Students will take all of their classes at the Acceler8 Program, located at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse, located at 10101 Courthouse Road, between Bird High and Gates Elementary. 

How will students get to the Acceler8 Program?

Transportation to and from the Acceler8 Program is provided by Chesterfield County Public Schools. Parents are not required to provide transportation. More information will be provided to students and families when transportation routes are finalized.

Why did our student get denied, although they met the criteria?

The Acceler8 Program has limited seats available. If you have questions, call our office at ###

Will an Accler8 student enter high school as a ninth grader?

Yes. Students entering the Acceler8 Program are eighth graders. The first year a student enters high school, they must enter as a ninth grader. 

However, students will have the opportunity to double-promote from ninth to 11th grade after passing all classes at the Acceler8 Program and in high school. This effectively lets students complete high school in three years.

Is the Acceler8 Program an appropriate option for students who would work well in an alternative setting?

Yes. The Acceler8 Program is the alternative option for middle school students in CCPS at this time. We have small class sizes, and our focus is on targeted remediation, social skills and social-emotional learning.

What is the dress code for the Acceler8 Program?

We follow the dress code policy for Chesterfield County Public Schools. Students do not wear uniforms at the Acceler8 Program.

What do students do after the Acceler8 Program?

Once students leave the Acceler8 Program, they are empowered to choose their own path. Most students go to their home high school with their friends to start their high school career. Others choose to attend Carver College and Career Academy. Acceler8 students are just like any other high school student, but with four to five credits toward graduation, which will allow them to do high school in three years if that is their choice.

What if I have more questions?

For questions, call us at 804-768-6165

In order to maintain a focused, safe and distraction-free learning environment, our school will implement the following cellphone procedure in alignment with Chesterfield County Public Schools Policy 4010-R.

Daily Collection Procedure

• Students may bring a cellphone or personal electronic communication device to school.

• Upon arrival, all devices must be turned off and surrendered at 8:20 a.m.

• Devices will be secured by school staff in a designated, supervised storage location.

• Devices will be returned to students at dismissal.

Students are not permitted to carry a phone or other personal electronic device during the instructional day, including lunch and transitions.

Exceptions

Use or possession of a device during the day may occur only when:

• required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 plan or health care plan; or

• approved by the principal or designee for unique circumstances (for example, certain field trips or emergencies).

Refusal to Surrender a Device

If a student refuses to turn over a device at 8:20 a.m., the student will be considered insubordinate and subject to disciplinary consequences consistent with the Standards for Student Conduct.

Possession During the Day

If a student is found with a device after collection:

• First incident – confiscation and parent notification.

• Repeated incidents – progressive discipline, which may include detention, in-school suspension or loss of privileges. Phones must be picked up by a parent or guardian.

Testing Situations

Any device found in a student’s possession during testing will result in confiscation and may lead to additional consequences in accordance with School Board policy.

Responsibility for Devices

While devices are secured using established procedures, students bring personal property to school at their own risk. Chesterfield County Public Schools is not responsible for loss, theft or damage.

Our goal is to reduce distractions, improve engagement and help students fully participate in instruction and relationships throughout the day. We appreciate your partnership and support.

Melissa Radtke 
Assistant Principal
804-638-5057

Bruna Sandry 
Office Manager
804-768-6165

Jamie Mapp 
Coordinator of Special Education
804-638-5109

Laura Hogan 
Testing Coordinator 
804-251-0995

Jasmine Bess
School Counselor
804-768-6160 ext. 1008

Block 1: 8:20-9:10 a.m.
Block 2: 9:12-10:44 a.m.
Block 3: 10:46-11:40 a.m.
Lunch: 11:43 a.m.-12:03 p.m.
Block 3 (continued): 12:05-12:44 p.m.
Block 4: 12:46- 2:19 p.m.