What is the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette?

• This is a nontraditional school for students who are at least 14 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 self-motivated, determined, and interested in options outside of the traditional school setting. 

Where is the Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette located?

• The school is located on the same campus of  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 sizes, accelerated and self-paced online curriculum. School hours are 7:20 am - 2:05 pm.   Parents must apply to our school setting and be accepted by the administrator based on entry criteria.  

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. The goal is that all students work to graduate by the time that they are 19 years old.   

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 three (3) courses at a time.   Once a course is successfully completed, the course is audited and the grade is posted to the transcript and the student is immediately assigned a new course.  For LEAP 2025 courses, the grade is not posted to the transcript until test scores are received, as the state assessment counts for 20% of the final grade for the course.

How long is the school day?

• A student is responsible for attending school from 7:20 am - 2:05 pm.  Once a student begins working on their last courses, needed to graduate, they can request to become 1/2 students.  Their progress in the current and past courses is reviewed and the decision is then made by the principal and counselor.  

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's school year starts at the beginning of July and ends at the end of June.  Students share the same holiday breaks as students in traditional settings.  

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?

• During the traditional school year, students are shuttled to and from their zoned school to EJ Sam.  Students with a valid drivers license are able to drive.

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.

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 earn a minimum of 6 credits each year, except when less than 6 credits are required for graduation.  Students not meeting the course progression and/or attendance and behavior requirements will 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 and designated t-shirt. 

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 are not allowed to have phones on campus. If students bring their phones to school, they will have to be turned in to their 1st period teacher and they will get them back at the end of the day (6th period). E. J. Sam staff will not investigate lost or stolen phones… bring your phone at your own risk. Parents may call the front office at 521-7560 if you need to contact your child.  

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.