by Jake Boese |

There are many misconceptions involving the Academy spreading around Liberty High School that are based on rumors and a lack of actual knowledge. The Academy, although an alternative high school, shares all the same goals as LHS but with a different atmosphere.
The Academy puts their focus on a specific group of students.
“Our focus is on traditional students who are not experiencing traditional success,” Academy Principal Dr. Robert Cordell said.
The reasons these students do not experience usual success in a traditional school are not those most would assume.
“Usually, kids only act out because they are struggling learners…they struggle with learning because they are having trouble with reading,” said Cordell.
Students, however, are not always ordered to the Academy, they can choose this path because they realize they are in need of the extra guidance the Academy provides.
“Students choose to come here because they want to be successful,” said Cordell.
The Academy has a poster at the entrance that explains the mission statement of the school. It reads, “The Liberty Academy provides educational alternatives in a safe environment so students will be successful and productive citizens.”
The environment the poster refers to is different to that of LHS. The first thing a visitor at the Academy will notice is how quiet it is while class is going on which seems to be the best possible atmosphere to concentrate in a high school.
Another thing that separates the Academy from a traditional high school is the teacher-student relationship.
“The key thing is caring adults to help guide students to success…There are about ten students per class which enables the teacher to have more sustained support with the students,” said Cordell.
This environment helps students who usually get distracted stay on task.
“It’s a lot different learning experience with maybe ten or 15 students… so you can talk to the teacher easier. It helps for students who get side tracked in big classes,” senior Austin Moore said.
Also because it is a choice for many, students attending the Academy usually enjoy the experience.
“I love it because it’s a little environment, you can ask a question without being interrupted. You get helped quicker,” sophomore Brittany Yurisich said.
The different atmosphere and improved teacher to student relationship can lead to better grades and greater success.
“I like it a lot because it’s a better learning environment, you get more help, they make sure you keep up your grades,” senior Marisa McFarland said.
The process for deciding if a student needs to be in the Academy is not that extraneous. First, the high school intervenes and the counselors decide what is going on with the student’s schoolwork. Then, the student and their parents meet with Dr. Cordell and decide if the student’s success would increase at the Academy. If the student decides they believe this opportunity will help them be successful, they make the transition to the Academy, usually attending for one to two, and sometimes three semesters.
The success of the Academy is evidenced by the improving graduation rate.
“Last year 28 students graduated with us which was our highest ever,” said Cordell.
The Academy hopes to continue to increase the success they have been experiencing throughout this school year and  for  years to come.