Academy Of Creative Education (ACE)

The Academy of Creative Education (ACE) is a nationally recognized, non-traditional, non-punitive model high school for students at risk of dropping out in the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. ACE was established in 1991 to offer classes for at-risk youth between 16-21 years old. Using a non-traditional approach to education, ACE is the collaborative result of a team composed of educators and community representatives.

The team envisioned a campus where at-risk youth would have a totally different environment in which to learn and where the instructors would use innovative teaching models and teaching strategies. This creative approach would improve student achievement by changing the ways in which students were taught.

Academics

ACE offers academically challenging courses aligned to Texas Education Agency standards, condensed into an accelerated pace. Students tackle two classes at a time, dedicating at least two hours daily per course. This concentrated approach allows learners to focus deeply and gain semester credits in approximately 30 days per class.

The self-paced model enables students to devote additional time to their goals as needed, leading them to understand material through review. Teachers continuously tailor instructional materials to student needs, with some interdisciplinary projects being cross-curricular, allowing them to fulfill requirements across multiple subjects to optimize for efficient learning.

The small class sizes encourage individualized attention, allowing students to choose their own daily schedule within flexible parameters, arriving between 7:30 AM - 10 AM, for at least four hours daily, with two hours minimum per class. The school day ends at 2 PM, but is paired with an extended calendar that furthers the opportunity for progress with a shorter summer break. Students return back to their academic studies after resting mid-June to mid-July. The personalized scheduling grants students flexibility to manage personal responsibilities while actively pursuing their diploma.

College & Career Preparation

ACE provides assistance to each student to simplify the postsecondary planning process. The high school offers the TSIA2, ACT, and test prep support like tutoring and practice assessments to help learners maximize their potential.

Campus visits from every military branch provide access to the ASVAB and recruiting opportunities. ACE continues to remain determined to prepare students for the purpose-filled futures after graduation.

History

ACE first opened their doors on September 16, 1991 as a product of collaboration between NEISD and a Texas Education Agency grant. Between this partnership, ACE was designed as a learning environment that gives students multiple pathways to gain and demonstrate knowledge.

Since opening, ACE has accumulated multiple state, national, and international recognitions, including the 2003 Crystal Star Award from the National Dropout Prevention Network and the Reaching At-Promise Students Association’s Best Practice Award. Their former principal, Dr. Mary Jo McLaughlin, was honored as a Top Finalist for Time Warner Cable’s National Champion Principal Award. ACE is currently led by Principal Dr. Patrick J. Valdez, who is building on their accoladed past to ensure ACE remains an icon of hope for at-risk students.

Partnerships

ACE has partnered with many establishments and programs for students to better benefit from their enrollment. These partners include Alamo Colleges, Café College, Salvation Army, McKinney-Vento Project, and the Academy Advisory Corporate Council (AACC). With these partnerships, ACE students are able to fulfill graduation requirements and utilize their benefits once they become alumni.

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High schools in San Antonio
Public high schools in Texas