In 1998, states began to administer testing as a requirement for graduation.  Each year students who had finished all or more than their required credits would not be able to graduate because they failed to pass one or more state exams. Established in 2013, Academy of Achievement @ SA (initially named SA Leadership Excel Academy) was created to address this problem. In addition, the Academy of Achievement @ SA recognized the local trend of older individuals who had been able to secure an entry level job without a diploma now being required  to secure the credential or vacate their position(s).  These individuals needed an alternative to the GED, which was usually difficult to attain within the timeline given by their employer.  As a private non-profit school that receives no state funding, our academy has been able to assist over 900 students earn a high school diploma in order to retain employment, enter college or training and move forward with their future.