Aging Out of Foster Care: Challenges and Resources for Foster Youth
The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a tumultuous period for anyone, but for those aging out of the foster care system, it often presents a unique set of challenges. Each year, more than 23,000 young adults age out of foster care, facing the world with little to no familial support. Here’s a closer look at some of the common challenges these young adults encounter, and the valuable resources available to help them overcome these hurdles, including Tiers Free Academy. Aging Out of Foster Care Aging out of foster care refers to the process when a youth in the foster care system reaches the age...
Homeschool Graduates and Military Enlistment
As alternative education pathways gain more recognition, a question that often emerges about homeschooling is, "Can homeschool graduates enlist in the military?" The answer is a resounding yes. Homeschool graduates aspiring to serve their country can — and do — enlist. Read on to learn more about the journey from homeschooling to military enlistment. Homeschool Graduates in the Military While exact statistics on homeschool graduates enlisting in the military are not readily available due to the broad categorization of educational backgrounds, the US military's acceptance of homeschool diplomas reflects the growing presence of homeschoolers in the ranks. In 2012 and 2014, amendments to the National Defense...
Fostering a Growth Mindset in Students Facing Adversity
Developing a growth mindset – particularly in students facing adversity – can be the key to unlocking students’ full potential. Here’s a closer look at the growth mindset, why it’s so beneficial for students, and how teachers, educators, and parents can help children and teens develop it. What Is a Growth Mindset? Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and the right kind of encouragement. This is a contrast to a fixed mindset, where people believe their talents and abilities are innate gifts and unchangeable. Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges,...
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students: A Closer Look at Challenges and Solutions
Education is of the utmost importance. It equips our children, our communities, and our world at large with the knowledge and skills necessary to be resilient, equitable, and future-ready. Yet education can be hindered or even denied for LGBTQ+ students. Research reveals that, for these students, “the vast majority experienced harassment or assault during in-person school, and many heard school employees use homophobic language.” A student survey from the 2021-2022 school year showed that more than 80% of nonbinary or transgender students “cited depression, stress, or anxiety as obstacles to learning.” In this article, we’ll explore the pressing need for enhanced understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity for...
Graduation Denied: How Issuing Your Own Homeschool High School Diploma Can Help Your Child Stay on Track
The traditional high school experience may not be for everyone. Some students may struggle to keep pace, while others may face unique challenges that make on-time graduation challenging. Reasons can range from personal or familial circumstances and learning disabilities, to simply needing a more flexible schedule. Whatever the reason, if your child is struggling to graduate on time, they are not alone. In the 2019-2020 school year, 14% of US students did not graduate high school on time. In the state of Georgia, there were even more high schoolers (16%) that did not meet the traditional timeline. Not graduating on time can present many challenges for...
Why a Homeschool High School Diploma Outweighs a GED
In spite of the fact that the national graduation rate is at an all-time high, over a million students drop out of high school each year in the United States. Although Georgia's graduation rate has also risen substantially in recent years (up to 84.1%), the state is still home to many, many individuals whose economic and professional opportunities are limited by not having a high school diploma. For those individuals, options to finish their education have historically been limited to two options: re-enroll in a full-time high school program, or get a GED. GEDs are a common alternative to a high school diploma for people...
New Year, New You: It’s Never Too Late To Graduate
New Year, New You: It's Never Too Late To Graduate The new year is a time of possibilities. It's an opportunity to reimagine who we are, to examine our long-term goals, and set intentions for how to get closer to them. For many people, those goals include continuing their education. Particularly for non-traditional students or adults who didn't finish high school, earning a high school diploma can unlock a wide range of professional opportunities and set them on the path to achieving their goals. Still, that's often easier said than done. Returning to school as an adult or a non-traditional student can come with a lot of...
Year in Review: The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation Nonprofit Impact Report
The end of the year is a milestone, a time to pause and reflect both on where we've been and where we're going. For nonprofits, including the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation, it's also a time to celebrate our impact over the past year, renew our commitment to community improvement in the year ahead, and continue to raise awareness of our offerings to the people we serve. Our Programs The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation is dedicated to improving our community by enhancing education opportunities, improving police and community relations, and encouraging community engagement. Our offerings include: The Tiers Free Academy Homeschool High School Diploma Program. Through the...
Homeschooling Through High School (It’s Easier Than You Think)
According to statistics published by the National Center for Education Statistics, 5.4% of children were homeschooled during 2020-2021. The number of homeschooled children has been steadily rising over the course of the last several decades; and yet, many parents and students still harbor a lot of hesitancy around the idea of homeschooling. If you've found yourself wondering, "Should I homeschool my child/myself?" or "How difficult is homeschooling?", we can help. Here, we'll discuss the advantages and misconceptions of homeschooling, who is a good candidate for homeschooling, and more. Debunking Myths About Homeschooling There are a lot of lingering negative stereotypes and misconceptions about homeschooling. Common misconceptions about...