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Achieve Academy of Dougherty County

Achieve Academy of Dougherty County helps students get back on track. Our transitional program serves middle and high school students who’ve faced behavior challenges in a traditional school environment. With a structured, supportive environment focused on academics, behavior, and personal growth, your student can build the skills and confidence needed to return to their home school and thrive.

School Info

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grades
6-12

District
Dougherty County School System

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Achieve Academy helps students reset and refocus. We support middle and high school students referred by the school district due to behavioral challenges. Our structured environment is designed to meet each student where they are, providing consistent support and clear expectations.

Focused on academic growth, pro-social behavior, and emotional wellness our transitional program helps students succeed in school—and in life. We work closely with students and families to set clear goals for attendance, conduct, and coursework.

With the right strategies and supports, students can return to their home schools ready to engage and achieve. Our support continues after their transition back to their home school with consistent check-ins to ensure long-term success.

Whether your student needs short-term support or a fresh start, Achieve Academy provides the tools, structure, and encouragement to help them take the next step forward with confidence.

Related services offered at this school include counseling services, social work services, and student government tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Achieve Academy of Dougherty County Apart

Our Learning Pathways

  • Transitional: Re-engagement and Rebuilding

    Transitional: Re-engagement and Rebuilding

    Students We Serve

    • Students removed from traditional settings due to behavioral or disciplinary challenges

    • Learners behind in coursework or credits who need targeted academic support

    • Students who show leadership potential but struggle with self-management and school engagement

    • Those preparing to return to a less restrictive setting with improved academic and behavioral readiness

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

  • Successful Transitions

    Successful Transitions

    Whether students are transitioning to a less restrictive environment, progressing toward graduation, or earning a certificate of completion, we help ensure they receive the individualized guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

Meet Our Team

  • Daja began at KAPS Academy of Escambia County as an elementary teacher in 2019, and from there, received multiple promotions after she helped open the Henry County School of Scholars program. Daja served first as the Social Services Coordinator in 2021, Team Leader in 2022, and Associate Director in 2023, where she served for two years. She now serves as the Executive Director of Achieve Academy of Dougherty County, a newly founded program.

    Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Daja is a proud first-generation college graduate who earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Florida A&M University. Daja’s passion is to serve scholars by removing barriers that interfere with learning. She prides herself on reminding students that they are not a product of their environment, but a product of their decisions.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • Communication with partner districts is excellent.

    The school exemplifies strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. The administration fosters a supportive and dynamic environment, ensuring that students and staff are well-supported. Their communication with partner districts is excellent, promoting effective collaboration and ensuring that every student’s needs are met. The school’s IEP writing process is thorough, with clear and actionable feedback that directly contributes to student growth. The school consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals.

    Andrew M. | Vice Principal

Events & Stories

  • A Science Lesson Using Slime

    ACI High School creating slime after a science lesson on liquid turning into solid with ingredients. Photographed: Ms. Amber Hawthorne…
    December 27, 2022
  • Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show

    We’re beyond proud of Stanley Alston, Team Lead, and Tiffany Davis, Teacher, for representing Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show! Stanley Alston,…
    February 21, 2025
  • A Veteran in the Classroom

    Between our 90 standalone day schools and 90-plus In-District Classroom partnerships across 17 states, SESI serves nearly 8,000 special education students every year—many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
    November 17, 2023

Resources

  • 20 Days of Fun and Learning ESY 2025

    Highlights from Our Extended School Year (ESY) The Extended School Year (ESY) was packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable fun!…
  • Donuts, Diplomas, and Determination: Celebrating Summer Graduates

    Summer School Becomes a Second Chance for Excel Students For a group of students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia, this…
  • Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco

    Celebrating an Incredible Educator: Mary Rico Named 2025 Teacher of the Year We’re thrilled to congratulate Mary Rico, an extraordinary…

FAQ’s

  • SESI schools serve students with a wide range of special education needs, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. We support students who need a more structured, individualized educational environment to succeed. Our schools are designed to help K–12 students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) reach their academic, social, and emotional goals through personalized instruction, positive behavior supports, and a safe, supportive setting.

  • Parents can expect a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where their child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. SESI schools partner closely with families and school districts to provide customized academic instruction, behavior support, and related services. Regular communication, goal setting, and progress monitoring ensure that families stay informed and engaged in their child’s success.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

Contact Achieve Academy of Dougherty County