Students speed through senior year

By Luciana Mendes
Staff Writer

Starting off their last semester of high school, many senior students at Coppell High School have made the decision to leave these hallowed halls and attend Turning Point Alternative Academy located on Wrangler Circle, near Coppell Middle School West.

Turning Point is an alternative school offering individuals the opportunity to gain high school credit at a faster pace and accelerate the process in earning a high school diploma.

“We consider ourselves the J Hall, if you will, of Coppell High School, or another wing, so to speak,” Turning Point counselor Gail Richardson said. “All seniors have the same privileges that any other senior has at CHS. They may attend prom, walk the stage at graduation and receive a Coppell High School diploma.”

To become a part of this program, you must be at least 16 and have completed 12 high school credits. You must also have a compelling reason as to why you need to be at Turning Point.

“There comes a point where you’re past high school and ready to move to other things in life,” senior Sarah Giddens said. “Going to Turning Point was the best option for me.”

Turning Point offers students the opportunity to gain high school credit in a non-traditional school setting. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours of instruction per week- four hours per day. There are two available sessions: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. There are online hours to complete at home as well.

“I started two weeks ago with four credits to finish and I’ll most likely graduate in another week,” senior Russell Diamond said. “It’s up to you how quickly you finish because you can do as much work as you want at home and knock out a semester in less than a week.”

Unlike CHS students, Turning Point students wear uniforms – jeans, tennis shoes and school shirt.

“It’s a definite change,” senior Rachel Charles said. “I really miss seeing my friends all of the time and the teachers that I had a close relationship with.”

According to Richardson, there are currently 30 students at Turning Point. However, since they are constantly graduating, the number changes almost daily. Turning Point graduates approximately 10 percent of the Coppell High School senior class through its program.

“After graduation, I’m going to work, save money, and appreciate the time I have off before I leave at the end of June to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California,” Giddens said.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated and corrected since it was originally posted.