Before I started attending Pinnacle, I wanted to give up on everything, including school, but thanks to Pinnacle I didn't!

I just had to find the right people and right school that could help me. Pinnacle lined up perfectly with what I wanted and needed; I was committed to giving it a try. After orientation, I approached my classes with a lot of energy, because I knew this was an exciting opportunity. The staff was there for me through every step, no matter what dilemma I was facing. I felt like this school was flexible and offered every class I needed to be successful. I even had a mentor to help me persevere through some tough, life situations.

I was able to graduate early and received a scholarship. I was honored to give a speech at my high school graduation in front of hundreds of people. Everyone is different, but when you find the right school and right people they definitely bring out the unique side of a person. In life, you go through things to become stronger, but you also need a strong foundation to help you with that; Pinnacle definitely helped me. Now I attended Mesa Community College, and I am studying Criminal Justice; just think four years ago I wanted to give up.

I didn't know what to expect when I first came to Pinnacle, all I knew was that I was 20 years old, wanted to graduate, and needed a lot of credits. The great staff at Pinnacle helped me do just that. Shortly after coming to Pinnacle, I was introduced to my mentor, I was under a lot of stress in my life and with school. My mentor helped me learn to believe in myself, relax my mind, and focus on the two things that were most important to me: getting good grades and graduating, I don't feel I would have graduated without her.

The most important thing I learned attending Pinnacle, is that I can do it. I learned to forgive myself for getting behind in my credits. I realized I can achieve anything I set my mind to, this made it much easier for me to focus on my future. I am currently taking classes at community college, once I finish my first two years I will be transferring to Arizona State University to study Counseling. I want to take what I have learned and use it to help others. 

 

When I first started at Pinnacle, I was having a lot of problems. I felt like I didn't know how to do anything at all. I didn't understand the work, or what the teacher was talking about, I was having a hard time learning. I was beginning to feel really down on myself, because I couldn't do what the other kids were doing, I felt horrible about myself. I was done, it was to the point where I wanted to quit going to school.

Now, I've learned so many different things from the classes they have, and I’ve come a long way. They taught me math which I didn't really know that well. I learned my Alphabet and how to read and write numbers. I learned to communicate and interact with others, they taught me to open up because before I wouldn't.

My teachers were the best teachers anybody could ever have, and that is coming from my heart. They are the reason I am here and why I am the person I have become. My teachers are my heroes, they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Pinnacle helped me with my Individualized Education Plan when other schools didn't meet my needs. I got the help that I needed to be successful.

I want to thank Pinnacle for all that they have done for me and my family. I recommend anyone that has ever been in the place I have been to come to Pinnacle. They will give you all of the help that you need.

Pinnacle is where second chances are possible! I enrolled at Pinnacle about two years ago. I am a young woman who works, goes to school, and still tries to make time for myself. I am the youngest of all of my friends, and we love to travel and participate in a lot of social activities.

At first, my father wasn’t in favor of me going to Pinnacle. The freedom the school gives you can be challenging at times, and an independent program can be easily taken advantage of, but what most people don’t realize is that Pinnacle is not only a school that gives you a second chance, it’s a school that teaches you how to be an adult. Without the help and encouragement of my teachers, I don’t know where I’d be right now. I wouldn’t be prepared to pursue my career as a chef if it wasn’t for the fantastic teachers at Pinnacle.

I am a graduate of the class of 2014. Learn from my example. It’s never too late, and never give up reaching for your “Pinnacle.”

My name is Henry, I am a 19-year-old super senior at Pinnacle; for me, this school was my last chance to get my diploma. I could not focus well in a traditional environment, I dropped out of my previous school over a year ago. I have been improving my work ethic, ever since I enrolled myself back into a school where I can work at my own pace and time. I'm more focused, open-minded, and ready to work, and it's all because of Pinnacle. The teachers at Pinnacle are always helpful, and the classes are well-balanced. If it wasn't for Pinnacle I'd be getting my GED instead, thank you for giving me a second chance to get my diploma.

Prior to enrolling at Pinnacle, I attended Westwood. The traditional school model – being stuck in a classroom all day – did not fit my needs and zapped my enthusiasm for education. There were some days I did not feel like going to school at all. Pinnacle afforded me the best of both worlds – the opportunity to work part-time, earn my high school diploma and have the high school social experience I desired. I wish I knew about Pinnacle long before so I could have been enrolled here throughout high school.

As a graduate, I’d like to tell other students, there is another option to a traditional school. Pinnacle will work with you to create a flexible schedule to support your academic and life goals.

Sione, an alumnus of Pinnacle, truly enjoyed his experience as a virtual student. He found it to be fun and challenging and any time he needed guidance, he would meet with his teachers at the District Office. Sione worked diligently to complete a rigorous course load. Sione says “Pinnacle taught me to focus on what you want to do and put everything you have behind it. Make sure you follow your passion and you will succeed.”

Sione's brother, a sophomore at Pinnacle, is now following his example. As the oldest sibling, Sione is used to caring for his younger siblings, these experiences have drawn him to a career to help children. He will be starting Community College in the fall to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse!

Good luck Sione!