CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Coastal Bend school is giving students a second chance at being successful in high school with several transformative education opportunities.
Richard Milburn Academy Corpus Christi (RMA) is known for providing several GED alternative options such as accelerated learning, credit recovery, and dropout prevention.
Reanian Garcia has worked at Richard Milburn Academy Corpus Christi for 6 years, a reimagined high school that gives students an opportunity to take a hold of their education at their own pace.
"We really try to make sure they graduate with a high school diploma versus that GED because we know these students are going out into our community," Garcia said. "And we want to makes sure we make an impact here before they go out there."
Last year, Summer Rodgers enrolled at RMA. Now, she'll be graduating high school a semester early thanks to her teachers.
"They never need to panic here. The teachers are always on your pace and even if you need help or struggle always ask the teacher, never be scared to. Because they will always work with you," Rodgers said.
Unlike a traditional high school's schedule, RMA has a fast paced learning environment that is split into four terms and students receive a new schedule every nine weeks. Students can also decide to take their classes in the morning or afternoon.
"And we are flexible. So, we are a four hour program, so it's really awesome for us to say, "yes we can help you and provide you with a better opportunity" versus an eight hours a day. So, they can go provide for their families," Garcia said.
Rodgers said this school not only helps students get their high school diploma but it also prepares you for after graduation.
"I want to be an ultrasound technician and a lot of the college classes that I'm taking [are] helping me with that. It's gives me the knowledge I need for it," Rodgers said.
Garcia said RMA will always be committed to helping their students graduate through accelerated learning, credit recovery, and dropout prevention.
"They come in with different stories, different backgrounds and we accommodate each and every one of them, no matter how big or how small their situation is," Garcia said.
Garcia said RMA's graduation rate is high and each student graduates with a certification.
RMA will be opening their doors to their new campus for the first time Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Parents and students will be able to meet teachers and tour the school. For more information about their program and the open house on Thursday, visit their website here.