One school in Macon offers students a second chance at getting their high school diploma. E.L. High School Home Study Academy gives those who have dropped out of school and opportunity to come back and start where they left off.
Talandria Cooper says she was in her senior year of high school when she got off track and had to withdraw. She says E.L Academy gave her a second chance.
"As soon as I found out about it I came down to the office and I got signed up just that fast," says Cooper.
Samario Dennis says he was working for the Macon-Bibb Fire Department when his chief told him they had a problem.
"Your high school diploma isn't accredited," explains Dennis.
He says he was home-schooled and wasn't aware that the program he was enrolled in wasn't accredited. He says he was given six months to enroll in another program, so he turned to the Home Study Academy. "It was wonderful as soon as I came here she told me what I had to do," says Dennis.
The director of E.L. Academy is Elaine Lucas, a Macon City Council woman. She says the school gives her students a chance to get back on track. "To be in a position to earn the kind of living for themselves that they wish to without having to depend on other folks," says Lucas.
She says students take study packets home, call in with their questions and take their tests in the school's office. The program, has met all of the standards set by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. "With that accreditation our students can go onto college, technical schools, the military," says Lucas.
She says in her thirty-eight years in the school system she's learned that not everyone learns well in a classroom. She says her students can learn at their own pace.
Cooper says she's glad she enrolled in the program. "Don't give up keep going forward keep going for your goals," says Cooper.
Anyone sixteen and up can enroll in the home study program.
E.L. High School Home Study Academy had its first graduating class last night. Twenty students received their high school diploma. The program requires a fifty dollar application fee. Tuition is $35 a month and books are $25.
If you want to enroll in E.L. High School Home Study Academy visit their office at 841 Forsyth Street or call 478-257-6767.