On Thursday evening, May 26th, at Metropolitan State University of Denver, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op will be holding its graduation ceremony. This year, nearly 70 will receive their high school diplomas. The HOPE Class of 2016 joins the 1,000+ alumni who have graduated from HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op since their founding in 2005.
One of HOPE’s 2016 graduates is Alexis of Power Learning Academy in Aurora. Attending HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op has made an impact on Alexis. He started with HOPE in 8th grade and is truly thankful for his current Learning Center’s Directors, Mr. Zach Macaluso and Ms. America Delgado, whom he credits in making his high school years memorable.
“Zach brought (HOPE) activities to us, and pushed us to join. If he was going, and could get me there, I was there,” said Alexis. “People are put into your life to help, and it can benefit you.”
Alexis has been very involved in HOPE extracurricular activities, including sports, clinics, dances, and career and college fairs. Before attending HOPE, Alexis had never had the opportunity to do these types of things.
“It helped us become more social, grow and learn to get along with one another,” said Alexis. “It feels like a family at HOPE.”
HOPE’s Power Learning Academy will complete its first school year on May 27th. Alexis is extremely proud of this Learning Center and the work that he has gotten to do to build this learning environment for future generations.
“It is so cool what they have done here. You can see the hard work they’ve put in,” said Alexis. “I’m always willing to help them make this place better. It is only the beginning. It feels good knowing I am a part of making this great.”
Alexis enjoys problem solving and building things. He is planning to attend Pickens Technical College to study engineering after earning his high school diploma.
“He always knows what’s next and never hesitates to finish. Alexis is a great student, and I wish him all the best,” said Mr. Zach Macaluso.
The smaller learning environment at HOPE is something Alexis saw as beneficial to him and his classmates.
“You get to know everyone here,” said Alexis. “They can focus on each kid and help them understand.”
Alexis volunteered on several occasions to help his younger peers at the Learning Center in areas where they were struggling. His favorite subjects in school are Math and Science.
“Zach and America want you to graduate and do something good with your life,” said Alexis. “Do what they ask of you, try your hardest and ask them for help when you need it.”
HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op is proud of the thousands of lives that have been changed during their 10 year history. There are nearly 30 HOPE Learning Centers throughout the state. Students attend Learning Centers five days a week and rotate between online lessons and face-to-face classroom instruction. HOPE offers an alternative education pathway to students who may be struggling in a traditional school setting. A recent research report prepared by Dr. Carolyn Haug with the University of Colorado Denver found students who stay with HOPE for more than two years improve their academic performance. In addition to academics, HOPE runs an extensive student activities and athletics program, which grows each year and positively contributes to the academic success of students. HOPE is a charter school of the Douglas County School District and serves 2,000 students in K-12th grade. Applications for the 2016/2017 school year are now being accepted. For more information, visit www.hopeco-op.org or call 720-402-3000.