In a powerful essay published by The 74, twin sisters Briauna and Tiauna Black share their journey from nearly dropping out of high school to becoming college-bound scholars — thanks in large part to the support they received at Clark County Acceleration Academies in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The sisters, who graduated from Clark County Acceleration Academies, describe the personal and academic challenges they faced in traditional high school after their mother became ill and they took on caregiving roles at home.
School, once a priority, became a daily struggle. Despite being high-achieving students in middle school and early high school, their new reality made going to school each day difficult. Briauna and Tiauna needed flexibility and understanding if they were going to finish high school.
“We were always thinking about our mother. We were dealing with bigger problems than what to wear to school. We looked into online programs for school and picked Clark County Acceleration Academies (CCAA), a hybrid alternative school that was available through our school district,” the twins said in their opinion piece on The 74.
Their story is a testament to how alternative education models like Acceleration Academies can re-engage students who are capable and ambitious but face barriers that traditional systems aren’t equipped to address. Today, the Black sisters are pursuing bachelors of science degrees in nursing — proof that potential thrives when students are met where they are.
At Acceleration Academies, we’re honored to have been part of their journey and proud to offer a model that ensures no student has to choose between life and learning.
📖 Read their full story on The 74:
https://www.the74million.org/article/we-are-high-achievers-but-we-were-almost-a-statistic/
Clark County Acceleration Academies works in partnership with Clark County School District to offer an alternative option for students like Briauna and Tiauna Black who need more flexibility and support than what’s typically offered in traditional high schools.
