iAccelerate Academy

The iAccelerate Academy provides a rigorous academic framework that culminates in a high school diploma and an Associate Degree in four years (at no cost to the student) while having a full high school experience.
 

No, in four years, students in the iAccelerate Academy will meet the NC High School Graduation requirements and the requirements for an Associate Degree.

Rising 9th Grade Entry:

• Parent/legal guardian must reside in Gaston County. 
• 7th grade Reading and Math EOG scores at Level III/IV/V.
• 8th grade overall “B” or 80 minimum average based upon first-semester performance only.
• AIG qualified in both reading and math or the willingness to be tested prior to the start of the school year.
• 8th-grade iReady Diagnostic Assessments (Beginning-of-Year AND Middle-of-Year Tests) in Reading and Math must be at an “Early Grade Level” or higher score.
• The student must also be in good standing, including attendance, behavior, and academics.  
• **Non-Gaston County Schools applicants must submit the following:
  • 7th-grade final report card and 7th-grade standardized test scores administered at the applicant’s school. 
  • 8th grade first semester report card and attendance records.  
  • For acceptance into the lottery, applicants must also complete an 8th-grade iReady Diagnostic Assessment (Middle-of-Year Tests) in Reading and Math and be proficient at an “Early Grade Level” or higher score (this assessment will be given at the Gaston County Schools Office of Student Assignment)
  • AIG qualified in both reading and math on a GCS accepted assessment or the willingness to be tested prior to the school year.

Complete and return the Discipline Information Request to Ashbrook High School prior to the close of the choice window. 

• Maturity - Since this program tasks students to perform well above their grade level students in this program must have the emotional maturity to handle the pressure and tasks assigned to them. 
• Self-motivated - we have found that this is the number one characteristic of a successful iAccelerate student. While this is hard to determine, a quality teacher recommendation goes far in determining which students would be good candidates. Parent desire alone does not always make for the best indicator of successful completion of the program. 
• A supportive environment outside the classroom - While parents are used to students of this caliber performing well, it is important that they help us take into consideration the whole child, not just the academic opportunity. 
• High School Grades - Students need to be able to successfully perform in the classroom environment and understand how to prioritize and juggle multiple assignments. 
• End of Course Scores - successful completion of grade level performance - III, IV, V on state tests and B or above on teacher-made exams. 
• Academically and Intellectually Gifted in Reading AND Math - those who are identified in both areas have an easier transition into the program due to CCP legislation.
   

Incoming ninth-grade students who meet entrance requirements may apply.  (See #3)

Parent/legal guardian must maintain residency in Gaston County.  The student must be in good standing including appropriate attendance, behavior, and academics.  The student must remain in good standing with Gaston College.

Success in today’s global economy may require a two-or four-year degree. Through Career & College Promise (CCP), qualified high-school-age students in North Carolina have the opportunity to pursue this option - tuition-free - while they are in high school, allowing them to get a jumpstart on their college preparation.

Yes, students will be exposed to a full high school experience.

One of the great parts of the iAccelerate Academy is the ability to have a traditional high school experience while taking an accelerated course load. iAccelerate Academy students can play sports, participate in band and chorus, and enjoy all types of extracurriculars. The sky's the limit for what you choose to do! 

Students who attend the iAccelerate Academy will earn a high school diploma and an Associate Degree without any cost.

Ashbrook is a comprehensive high school, so courses are scheduled based on students' individual needs. All students will have access to a variety of courses including AP, Honors, Fine Arts, and many other courses.

All community college courses included in the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement will receive weighted credit in accordance with NCDPI policy GCS-L-004. Currently, CCP classes are weighted the same as AP classes