Students who attend Mustang Academy in Anderson may start out there because of low grades, low attendance or because they cannot handle the environment of a big high school, according to Principal Tom Henry.
However, the students are exceptional and bright, and Mustang Academy succeeds where most schools fail, Henry said.
The academy has 28 students. Of those, three will join the military, seven have perfect attendance, two are taking the GED (and one has already passed), one is graduating this semester, five are in Missouri Options (GED classes), one is transferring back to the high school and seven are enrolled in the Crowder College Tech School. Henry added he believes four more will graduate next semester, and two students will enroll in the academy after Christmas break is over.
"These kids are just like anyone else. They just can't handle a big school. The staff here and myself are very blessed to be able to help these kids. We feel like any student that comes here, we can help. And we especially appreciate the encouragement and support we get from central office and the school board," he said.
Henry said the academy works on attendance, graduation and "a different lifestyle for these students."
He added, "Our discipline here is very low. We do not have that type of issues. It's just a different environment and giving them a chance to blossom out and be themselves."
He said students receive more one-on-one time at Mustang Academy than they would in a traditional high school.
"Personally I am blessed by having a staff that care and love students the way these teachers do," he said.
Students are graded on Missouri standards, which is a little different than at the high school, he added. Each student has a portfolio, and everything that student accomplishes goes into the portfolio. Everything they need to study and what they want to become goes into the portfolio.
Henry said the three students who are joining the military knew they could do that, they just didn't know how to go about it. The same thing is true with the students going to Crowder College Tech School, he said.
"That's why I say we give them a different lifestyle," he said. "It's where we succeed where most schools fail."
Most students at Mustang Academy are sophomores, juniors and seniors. A lot of them do not live with their parents but are on their own, Henry said.
"They build a bond. They are a family. They want to be a part, but they need help getting there. That's what we do. We help them in many ways -- financially, whatever we have to do. This county is the most giving people I've ever met. They truly care about their kids."
Henry said he has a good connection with the kids because his background was similar to theirs at that age.
"I can't give up on them," he said.
General News on 12/29/2016