Two business partners, IBM and the Florida Department of Professional Regulation, provide volunteer mentors who meet regularly with individual students as friends, advisors and role models. IBM has made available personal computers to help Academy students learn in an ever-expanding technological world. Parents are also partners in the team effort and are expected to contribute to the Academy by helping with weekend activities and field trips, and by keeping in close contact with teachers. They help their children achieve personal goals and successfully complete the program. With two instructors and only twenty students, academic skills can be raised in a short period of time.
Students focus on a core curriculum of four basic subject areas.
For the rest of the school day they attend two classes with other students. The overall goal of the academies is to develop motivated learners, thereby ultimately reducing the dropout rate in Leon County. At least 60 percent of the participating students will decrease their number of absences by 5 percent from the previous year. At least 70 percent of the participating students will be promoted to the next grade level. At least 80 percent of the participating students will remain enrolled in a program leading to a standard diploma.