Case Study: Cruiser Academy achieves flexible credit recovery and improved graduation outcomes with Edmentum

Flexible Credit Recovery and Acceleration in Columbus, OH

Cruiser Academy, created in 2010 as a conversion/community school spun off from Groveport Madison High School, provides flexible, blended learning for at-risk and nontraditional students K–12 who need credit recovery or acceleration. Faced with widely varying coursework needs, pacing requirements, and supports for students with IEPs, ESL needs, or medical barriers, the school needed an online curriculum that enabled differentiation and self‑paced progress.

Cruiser Academy combined Plato Courseware, Study Island, EdOptions Academy (virtual teachers), and in‑house coaches/tutors—plus home access and partnerships like COTC’s Preferred Pathway and the Academic Scholars Institute—to deliver personalized instruction and career/technical options. The results: the school moved from “academic emergency” to the top 20% of Ohio dropout prevention/recovery schools, exceeded state graduation standards, served over 1,200 students (about 300 direct graduates), and helped 200+ students earn credits beyond grade level.

Cruiser Academy

Sheryl Hernandez

Administrator for Curriculum