By Alan VanNorman
GOAL High School is proud to share that its 2026 Summer School Program helped more than 900 students finish schoolwork and reach their goals. Because of the program, 129 students earned their high school diplomas during summer school, bringing the grand total of GOAL graduates for the 2025-2026 school year to 1,901.
Among those graduates were 66 students age 21 and older who would not have been eligible to enroll in school for another year. Through summer school, these students were able to complete their remaining graduation requirements and earn their diplomas.
GOAL High School’s Summer School Program is a three-week course that allows students to take up to two classes. Students participate in summer school for a variety of reasons, including completing graduation requirements, making up credits, or getting ahead in their academic progress. For recent graduate Oscar Almanza Jr., the program provided the final step toward earning his diploma. Almanza had attended GOAL High School since his freshman year but entered the summer just one class short of meeting graduation requirements.
“Being able to finish that last class during summer school kept me motivated to get it done so I could begin my next chapter and not have to wait another year,” said Almanza.
Almanza also credited the staff at GOAL High School’s Sterling location for helping him reach the finish line.
“They were there to support me every step of the way with whatever troubles I was having,” said Almanza. “Even after I graduated, they told me they would always be there to help me.”
According to Kimberly Tappy, Principal at GOAL High School’s Summer School Program, the success of the Summer School Program and its students begins long before classes start. “The work for summer school starts during the regular school year when we’re developing plans for each student,” said Tappy. “The success of the program depends on going in with a plan and having the right team in place to ensure students have all the resources they need.”
This year, 56 staff members supported summer school, including 23 teachers, 23 coaches, and 10 support staff. Together, they helped guide students through their classes and support their academic needs throughout the program.
“The hardest part of our job during summer school is building connections in such a short time,” said Tappy. “When students feel connected to their school and the staff supporting them, they are more likely to stay engaged, ask for help when they need it, and believe they can be successful.”
The 2026 Summer School Program reflects GOAL High School’s continued commitment to providing flexible learning opportunities that help students overcome obstacles, stay on track academically, and reach graduation.
About Goal High School
GOAL Academy High School is a statewide, multi-district charter school authorized by District 49. GOAL is a Microsoft Showcase School and provides online curriculum with in-person support at 37 student drop-in centers across Colorado. Students can take college courses for free, earn career and technical certifications and receive excellent social and emotional support. GOAL strives to help all students achieve their full potential in a caring, supportive and personalized environment. In turn, students become productive members of society.
More information? (877)776-4625 or goalac.org
Alan VanNorman is Director of Communications, GOAL High School.