FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette?
This is a nontraditional school for students who are at least 15 years old and in sixth grade or higher. It is designed to assist students to accelerate their learning and graduate with a high school diploma. The school may be a fit for students who are interested in options outside of the traditional school setting.
Where is the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette located?
The school is located at the W. D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center at 200 18th Street, Lafayette, LA.
What is the difference between this school and my current school?
Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette offers smaller class size, individualized educational plans for graduation, accelerated and self-paced online curriculum and flexible scheduling. The school does not follow the traditional school bell times.
Can I graduate from this school?
Yes. The Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette is a fully accredited school and offers a State of Louisiana High School Diploma to students who complete all graduation requirements.
How long will it take me to graduate?
The length of time it will take to complete all graduation requirements depends on how many Carnegie Units are needed. It also depends on how quickly the student progresses through each course.
How long does it take to complete each course?
Completion timelines for courses depend on how quickly the student can work through the material and pass required tests. The expectation is that students finish a course within 90 days.
Will I lose the credits I am currently enrolled in at my home-zone school?
Assigned courses that the student was passing will be customized to allow students to begin working where they left off at their home-zone school. Students will not be required to restart courses in which they are currently enrolled in and passing at the home-zone school.
How many courses do I take at one time?
Each student’s plan is designed differently. In most cases, students needing more than three (3) courses for graduation are assigned a minimum of three (3) courses at a time. Once a course is successfully completed, the grade is posted to the transcript and the student is immediately assigned a new course. For LEAP2025 courses, the grade is not posted to the transcript until test scores are received, as the state assessment counts for a percentage of the final grade for the course.
How long is the school day?
A student will be assigned to one or, possibly, two daily sessions depending upon age, credits and the level of academic support that is needed. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be communicated to the parent and/or student. Students who are 15 or younger are automatically assigned to a full day.
What if I need special education assistance?
Students with disabilities or active IEPs will have necessary accommodations and services provided.
Is EJ Sam a year round school?
Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette follows the school schedule of traditional schools.
Students who, by the end of the school year in May, have completed the required number of courses AND who have maintained appropriate attendance (following the LPSS attendance policy), can have the summer off, if they choose.
Students who have not completed the required number of courses and/or those who are delinquent with attendance will be required to attend the summer session. Failure to attend the assigned summer session may result in the student being referred back to his or her home school for the following academic year.
Do I have to attend school every day?
Every student attending Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette is required to follow the LPSS attendance policy. We are not a work from home site. We expect regular daily attendance as scheduled. The truancy policy is followed for those students who do not follow the attendance policy.
Does Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette offer transportation?
Student transportation is offered using satellite busses from the base schools and/or various satellite stops around the district. Students under the age of 18 will only be allowed to utilize transportation options designated by parents.
If I don’t like Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette can I return to my home-zone school?
Students enrolling in the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette must commit to completing the current school year. Once the traditional school year has ended, a student in good standing may request to return to the home-zone school.
Can I be requested to withdraw from the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette?
Students enrolled at the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette are required to meet all course progression. attendance and behavior requirements. Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 courses each year, except when less than 6 courses are required for graduation. Students not meeting the course progression and/or attendance and behavior requirements may be referred back to the home-zone school or referred to other Lafayette Parish academic settings.
Does Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette have a dress code?
Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette follows all Lafayette Parish student policies with a few exceptions. The dress code at Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette will be unique to its school colors.
Does Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette serve breakfast and lunch?
Breakfast and lunch are available to all students each school day.
Can I bring my cellphone to school?
Students may bring cellphones to school, however, cell phone use is not allowed during instructional time. Students may use cellphones before school, on breaks and after school. Students utilizing busses that satellite to other high school campuses must abide by that campus’ cell phone policy. We follow the discipline guidelines set forth by Lafayette Parish School System regarding cellphone infractions.
Can I leave LeRosen Preparatory School to attend the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette?
If a student has been assigned to LeRosen Preparatory School, the duration of the assignment must be completed. After successful completion, if the student meets the criteria to attend the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette, he/she may apply and be considered for enrollment.