ACES PROGRAM IN DARKE COUNTY HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED

Students working together in class to complete their daily assignment.

The Achievement Center for Educational Success (ACES) began as a small program in Darke County to help at-risk students that need an alternative educational setting other than their traditional high school. The concept has evolved over the years to a program that has created a learning setting for youth to thrive and succeed. The ACES program gives a different choice to many students that need a different educational option.

Statistics and outcomes for the first semester in of the 2012-13 school year in the ACES program are as follows:

• 29 students are enrolled in 9th through 12th grades from eight school districts in Darke County
• Seven students have received the required credits to graduate so far this year and will receive their diploma in May/June of 2013
• A total of 82.28 credits were earned by the students during the prior semester
• Students are involved in social building groups conducted by the Gateway Youth Programs
• All students completed the first semester, with no withdraws
• 5 students were employed as well as attending school throughout the semester

Over the last 12 years the ACES program has worked with 345 students in grades 9 through 12, assisted 199 students to advance at least one or more grade levels and been instrumental in helping 101 students graduate and receive their high school diplomas. Through an evaluation with local superintendents/principals the ACES program was given an excellent rating in their work with the students. Jason Wood, Principal at Franklin Monroe High School says, “ACES is great to work with and all our students have finished and graduated!”

The program staff includes a certified teacher, a trained aide, and the program coordinator. According to Jeff Vaughn, Program Coordinator, “we may have a small staff, but they work diligently to provide the academic support and guidance to students that making different choices can lead to success.”


ACES is administered by the Council on Rural Services in collaboration with the Darke County Educational Service Center and local school districts including Bradford Local School, Tri-Village Local Schools, Ansonia Local School, Versailles Schools, Franklin Monroe Local Schools, Arcanum Local Schools and Mississinawa Valley Schools in Darke County. The students receive their classroom instruction at the ACES Greenville location, but are awarded credits and diplomas from their home schools. All students must be referred to the program by their home school’s principal, to be considered for enrollment.

For more information about the ACES program call Jeff Vaughn, program coordinator at 937-548-8002 or check the web site at www.councilonruralservices.org. The Achievement Center for Education Success (ACES) and Gateway Youth are programs of Council on Rural Services … programs for innovative learning.