A Free Non-Traditional School in Bethel Gives Students a Second Chance at Graduation

Bethel School District has a new path to graduation for students who need something different from their traditional high school. It’s called Bethel Acceleration Academies (BAA) and it is a free online or hybrid school that lets students take one class at a time with teachers helping them every step of the way.

“This program is very different from the traditional high school path to a diploma,” said BAA Academy Director, Kevin Torres. “This program is for students who, for whatever the reason might be, have struggled with graduating high school and need a little more flexibility and support to get them to the finish line,” he added.

Pedro Suazo graduated from Bethel Acceleration Academies where he attended the hybrid program. Math, he says, almost derailed him from graduating. “I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore with the math. I thought I was going to fail,” Suazo explained in a story about his experience. By working one-on-one with supportive teachers and advisors at the academy, he was able push through the barriers and still keep his job at FedEx.

“Pedro’s story is very typical of our graduation candidates,” said Torres. “Most students really want to graduate but they might feel overwhelmed by having to take care of family members or a job. There are other obligations that make it impossible to be at school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and keep up with homework.” Acceleration Academies, he explained, were designed for those students in mind.

It has proven success for over 6,600 young people who have graduated with their high school diploma from the 20-plus Acceleration Academies locations nationwide. At Bethel Acceleration Academies, 208 students earned their high school diplomas in 2025, a landmark that makes the students and advisors there very proud. “All of our 208 graduates fought through issues that had threatened to derail them, issues that might have prevented them from graduating and that doing so would have dramatically impacted their potential later in life,” said Torres in a press release.

In addition to the hybrid program that serves students within Bethel School District, there is a fully online program that is open to students ages 16-21 who live within 50 miles of the school district. Geographically that reaches most of Washington state.

Students interested in the online program can learn more at Bethel Acceleration Academies. Students interested in the hybrid program and who live in the Bethel School District area can speak to their current high school’s guidance counselor about transferring.

Torres added that the fully online program offers just as much support to students as the hybrid program. “Students still have life coaches and academic coaches, but the support is all via Zoom, phone, email, and text, or in-person. Not a moment goes by that we aren’t making sure our students have what they need to succeed.”

Bethel Acceleration Academies is an approved online provider through the Washington Choice Transfer Program and the Open Doors Program. Students do not have to live in Bethel School District in order to participate in the Bethel Acceleration Academies Online Program. The Hybrid Learning Program at BAA is for students who want some in-person instructional support combined with the flexibility of online courses.