Shetter said he needed several more credits than he could fit in a regular school schedule in order to finish high school on time. He said he fell behind last year when he became a father. As a result, there's acting out, poor behavior, poor attendance or those kinds of things. We're hoping the mall academy will serve as more of an individualized setting and hopefully work with these kids to get them back into the mainstream. He said the mall work environment and internships will help to show the students the importance of responsibility.
Success is a tremendous motivator.
She thinks her attendance will be good in the different atmosphere and shorter day of the academy. The school meets in remodeled space that once housed a hair salon and a video game arcade. With its blue carpeting, conference tables and maroon padded chairs, the 4,200 square feet of space looks more like a corporate training center than a schoolhouse. The first three days this week are for orientation so that the students and staff can decide if the placement is appropriate. Students can take academic courses using computer software, audio recordings, many file cabinets of written material, CD-ROMs and videotapes.