FAQ

What does ACEL stand for?

ACEL is the Academy for Civic and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

What grades does ACEL Fresno service?

ACEL Fresno opened in 2009 with a class of 9th graders only. ACEL Fresno will add a new 9th grade class each year until it is a full service high school with grades 9-12. We are currently accepting new 9th and 10th grade students.

What requirements are there to be accepted at ACEL Fresno?

There are no special requirements for students to be accepted at ACEL Fresno.  ACEL Fresno is open to any resident of any area, and all students will receive equal consideration.

Where will ACEL Fresno be located?

For the first year ACEL Fresno will use the Boys and Girls Club Zimmerman Center.  The address is 540 N. Augusta St, on Belmont Avenue near Fresno Street.  ACEL Fresno is currently searching for a permanent home, so if you have ideas or suggestions please send an e-mail to principal@acelfresno.org.

How do I apply?

Please apply by filling out this form.

How many students will be accepted?

ACEL Fresno can only accept a maximum of 100 students for the 2009-2010 school year.  Students beyond the maximum of 100 will be placed on a waiting list.

What classes will be offered at ACEL Fresno?

ACEL Fresno will offer all of the traditional high school academic requirements; Math, Language Arts, Social Science, and Science.  In addition ACEL Fresno will provide access to classes in ELD, Spanish, Physical Education and Electives (exact electives to be determined largely by student interest).  Also, ACEL Fresno will offer some courses specifically designed for our academic program.

What teachers will be hired at ACEL Fresno?

All core academic teachers at ACEL Fresno will be fully credentialed and compliant with the No Child Left Behind federal legislation.  Teachers outside of the core academic areas may be credentialed, or they may possess other unique qualifications that would make them ideal teaching candidates for ACEL Fresno.  All teachers at ACEL Fresno will undergo extensive background checks and will be regularly evaluated by the administrative staff and the Board of Directors.

Will ACEL Fresno offer an after-school program?

Yes, students at ACEL Fresno will automatically be members of the Boys and Girls Club.  As members, they will be eligible to stay at the club as late as 8 p.m. every day.

Will ACEL Fresno offer any sports programs?

At this time ACEL Fresno does not plan to offer any varsity sports, but may offer intramural sports.  Varsity athletes may be able to attend ACEL while still competing in varsity sports for their neighborhood school, but this will require a somewhat lengthy process.  If you need more information, please send an e-mail to principal@acelfresno.org.

What will the graduation requirements be at ACEL Fresno?

Graduation requirements are still being decided, but they will be similar to other public high schools.  Students will still be required to pass the California High School Exit Exam to receive their diploma from the State, but they will not be required to pass the test to participate in graduation if they have met all of the requirements decided by ACEL Fresno.