Middle School & High School
Middle School & High School | Grades 7-12
Welcome to American Leadership Academy Blythewood
Preparing Student for Graduation, College, Career, and Life
American Leadership Academy Blythewood gives families in Blythewood, Northern Richland County, and the greater Columbia area a tuition-free public charter school option for grades 7–12.
The middle and high school years are an important time for students to grow in independence, academic confidence, leadership, and future readiness. At ALA Blythewood, students are supported as they move from middle school preparation into high school graduation planning, college and career exploration, advanced academic opportunities, and life beyond ALA.
Middle School | Grades 7-8
Preparing for High School
Middle school at ALA Blythewood helps students move from the structure of elementary school into a more independent academic environment. In grades 7 and 8, students continue building in core subject areas while learning how to manage more responsibility, strengthen study habits, and prepare for the expectations of high school.
These years help students grow as learners, classmates, and young leaders. They begin thinking more intentionally about their strengths, interests, goals, and the academic path ahead.
Preparing For High School
Middle school is where students begin looking ahead to high school coursework and long-term goals. Families and school staff work together to help students understand course options, academic expectations, and the steps that lead toward graduation.
This planning helps students connect today’s coursework with future opportunities. As students grow, they are encouraged to think about their interests, learning habits, career ideas, and the type of high school experience that will best support their goals.
Middle School Academic Focus
Students in grades 7-8 build skills through academic areas such as:
- English
- Math
- Science
- History and social studies
- Physical education
- Technology
- Electives
- Honors options, where available
High School | Grades 9-12
Graduation and Future Readiness
High school at ALA Blythewood is designed to help students stay on track for graduation while preparing for college, career, technical training, military service, or other post-secondary goals.
Students work through required academic courses and electives while receiving support through course planning, advising, graduation pathway resources, and future-readiness opportunities. The high school experience encourages students to take ownership of their learning, explore areas of interest, and prepare for life after graduation.
Diploma Pathways
American Leadership Academy Blythewood offers multiple diploma pathways so students can plan coursework around their goals and interests for advanced academic opportunities. View the official Course Catalog for details about each diploma→
Graduation Diploma
Honors Diploma
STEM Diploma
Academic Support and Student Growth
Students grow at different rates, and the middle and high school years often bring new academic expectations. At ALA Blythewood, teachers, Student Services Advisors, and campus staff work together to help students understand expectations, plan coursework, strengthen skills, and stay connected to their goals.
Academic support may include teacher communication, course planning, advising, student support services, and opportunities for students to build confidence in areas where they need additional practice.
Assessments
Students enrolled in Arizona public education participate in required state assessments.
Junior High: Students in grades 7 and 8 complete state assessments in reading, writing, and math. 8th graders also take the state science assessment and the civics exam.
High School: Students participate in assessments such as ACT Aspire, AzSCI, and the ACT, depending on grade level and state requirements, and must meet the civics exam requirement for graduation.
Career & Technical Education
Career and Technical Education helps students connect classroom learning with real-world skills. Through CTE opportunities, students may explore career interests, build practical experience, and prepare for industry-specific pathways.
ALA may offer Career and Technical Education opportunities through campus-based programs, partner programs, or course pathways as available. Students interested in CTE should work with a Student Services Advisor to understand available options, course requirements, and how CTE coursework fits into their graduation plan.
Advanced Academic Opportunities
ALA offers advanced academic opportunities for students who are ready for additional challenges and college-level preparation.
Depending on grade level, campus offerings, enrollment, and student readiness, students may have access to:
- Honors courses
- Advanced Placement courses
- Dual Enrollment courses
- Advanced academic coursework
- College credit opportunities
- Career-focused academic pathways
College and Career Readiness
ALA Blythewood prepares students for life after high school—whether that means a four-year university, two-year college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce. Students have access to college and career readiness resources such as:
- Graduation pathway planning
- College application support
- Scholarship and financial aid resources
- Career pathway exploration
- Trade school and certification planning
- Military pathway exploration
- Workforce readiness support
Middle School/High School Hours & Contact Information
School Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:40 am - 2:40 pm
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:15- 3:30 pm
Early Release: Days vary, 8:10 am - 1:40 pm
Now Enrolling for 2026-2027
Kindergarten through Grade 12 · Public Tuition-Free Charter School