The Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE) presented its first graduating class at a ceremony on the campus of Johns Hopkins University on May 31. Mayor Sheila Dixon gave remarks to the 96 graduates, their families, and ACCE faculty in attendance. All the graduates completed an individualized and rigorous academic curriculum that incorporated intensive career preparation experiences provided through the school’s many partnerships with higher education and local government.
“It is Baltimore City’s responsibility to provide outstanding educational opportunities for its young citizens that result in such a prepared graduating class,” said Mayor Dixon. “And it makes all of us proud to see that these ACCE students have taken advantage of their opportunity and are continuing to pursue their education and careers.”
Launched in 2004 with the intent to provide community resources and individualized guidance and attention, this small public “innovation” high school is operated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development and the Johns Hopkins University, Institute for Policy Studies in partnership with the Baltimore City Public School System.
The ACCE graduates completed several unique work experiences that are tailored to their career interests, including participating in job shadowing experiences, summer jobs, internships, and individualized career planning. They have also participated in college preparation classes provided by Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, Baltimore City Community College, and Villa Julie. All ACCE students are introduced to 21st Century Careers through a mandatory freshman seminar.
This unique curriculum presented within a supportive environment has resulted in an 88 percent college acceptance rate – well above the Baltimore City Public School System average.
“At ACCE, the students and teachers are dedicated to fully implementing the school’s mission of providing comprehensive career and college preparation,” said 12th Grade Administrator Cheyanne Zahrt. “To receive an ACCE graduation certificate, all students must apply to at least one college. The staff works diligently to ensure that each student will explore his/her options after high school.”
Members of the senior class will be attending several prestigious higher education institutions, such as the Maryland Institute College of Art, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan State University, Towson University, Pennsylvania State University at York, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
