Second chances are a gift. They are your do over to execute the lesson learned from your first opportunity. Since they are also rare any chance you get one, it shouldn’t be wasted but utilize for everything its worth.

Students at Evolution Academy know the beauty of second chances. When a high school diploma seemed out of reach due to this or that situation that happened along their educational journey, Evolution Academy gave them a second chance to change things and make high school graduation reality instead of just a dream.

“Evolution Academy was formed to really target those students that require second, third, fourth, fifth chances but ultimately to complete their high school graduation,” said Cynthia Trigg, Chief Executive Officer, Superintendent, and Founder of Evolution Academy. “Our goal was set around starting a school that would serve students who either dropped out of school, were at risk for dropping out or those that were seeking a nontraditional method of instruction.”

Evolution Academy is a public charter school that has been deemed as a dropout recovery center. Currently, the school has three campuses – Richardson, Houston, and Beaumont. Upon enrolling at Evolution Academy, students are provided with an efficiency plan and their transcripts are evaluated. Based on the information learned about the student, a customize graduation plan is created to meet their individuals needs and put them on the fast track to receiving their high school diploma. Selecting a morning track from 7:15am-11: 45 am or afternoon track from 12:20 pm to 4:20 pm, students attend four one-hour courses to allow them to earn eight credits per school year. The curriculum is mixed with traditional and computer-based instruction to afford students the opportunity to earn two or more credits every nine weeks. Flexible schedules allow students time to work, study or get tutored.

Julie Askew, principal of Evolution Academy Houston with 39 years in education, said teachers at her campus give one on one instruction and small group instruction to students. This is possible because of the small student/teacher ratio of 18:1.

Trigg, who considers her work with these type of students her life’s calling, knows having a high school diploma is just not enough in today’s society so to give students more Evolution Academy also offers dual credit courses and career and technology courses to prepare students for life beyond high school in college, working towards a career, or in the military. “We want our students to earn a living wage and be productive in society,” said Trigg.

A system like this has a lot of moving parts Trigg acknowledge but they make it work because of a great staff and students who are engaged in their development. Besides parents and teachers in their corner, students get a drive to succeed from the many volunteers through partnerships the academy has to mentor students and host social activities to enhance their education. “We have partnerships that provide incentives for our students for good attendance and also for our teachers,” said Askew as she spoke about local area businesses and communities that readily give donations to the school.

Besides their educational needs, Evolution Academy has people in place to provide social services. Students received breakfast and a light lunch daily because a hungry student can’t concentrate in class. Bus passes and pick up locations are provided to make sure students get to school. Counselors are on staff to give students additional support with social and emotional needs. Community partners even help students obtain jobs. Evolution Academy takes away all excuses and barriers to prevent a student from reaching their ultimate goal…graduating from high school.

Trigg and Askew agree that Evolution Academy kids are not bad. They are just kids who fell on bad luck. Evolution Academy is students good luck charm giving them a second chance to get things right providing hope, love, and encouragement when they thought all was lost. Everyone deserves a second chance but not everyone receives one. Evolution Academy gives every student that wants one their second chance.