Darin R. Ford has an undergraduate degree from University of Central Missouri (UMC) a Masters from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an Educational Specialist degree from UMC. He and his wife Donna have two sons.
Academy Program Structure
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- The instructional program focuses on core classes.
- Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies will form the core curriculum.
- Career development, self-esteem, and parenting skills will be part of the curriculum.
- The essential outcomes will be selected from each subject area and taught using a combination of methods. The Champion Academy staff members will select which course outcomes are to be taught.
- Traditional grading and computerized tracking of progress will be used to monitor each student’s progress. Credits will be awarded after achievement of course outcomes and accumulation of necessary hours.
- Class times will be based on individual situations. However, maximum attendance during morning and afternoon session is 8 ½ hours. Current sessions are based on a four hour block of time. It is possible for an individual to enroll in two sessions per day if openings are available (see Attendance Policy on page 7).
- Grades will be calculated on an 80% mastery criterion level. A student will not fail, but will be awarded a grade or passing, marked when the outcomes are achieved. The grades from Champion Academy will be considered in calculation of grade point average but not for determining class rank.
- The goal for all students enrolled in Champion Academy is to successfully earn a high school diploma. Students may attend the vocational school, work, complete same electives at Centralia High School, or be released by the school for a portion of the day to accommodate individual needs. Each student will have an Individual Academic Program (IAP) which will detail the process by which the student can successfully complete his/her graduation requirements.
- Champion Academy is NOT intended to be an “accelerated” program where students can earn credits allowing them to graduate prior to their original graduation date. However, if a student is in a position where they could graduate early, the student will have to follow the local district’s early graduation policy.
- Students are eligible to participate in Prom, Homecoming, and Courtwarming if they follow the guidelines established for CHS students. They can also participate in interscholastic competitions if they have earned 3 credits during the semester prior to their competition.
- The Champion Academy Staff may assist the student in finding a part-time job. The student may or may not receive academic credit for the work time. This will depend on the structure of the program. If credit is given the student must have as a part of their Individual Academic Plan, IAP, a plan patterned after the current VWP program which is offered at the high school.