Friday, January 17, 2025
SPRINGTOWN — Now in its second year, Porcupine Academy has faced its fair share of challenges, but the program is finding ways to support students who need a non-traditional approach to education.
Porcupine Academy was founded with the goal of helping students earn their high school diploma while preparing them for the future. Every student’s goal is graduation, but the journey of how each student gets there looks different.
Principal of Porcupine Academy Andrew Horis points out that the informal three rules of the campus are “show up, work hard, be nice.”
“We want students to understand that anything is possible when they put in the necessary effort,” Horis said. “Our goal isn’t just to help students graduate, but to teach them the mindset that will serve them in any endeavor.”
Reflecting on the first year, Principal Horis shared that the academy has gone through significant change since its opening. The academy started out with a staff of three and now has expanded to seven. Horis says the academy’s approach has been shaped by trial and error and continues to improve as the academy learns what works best for students.
“I can’t say we had a perfect first year, but I am proud of how far we’ve come,” Horis said. “We started with a small staff and we are now working together to create something special.”
Porcupine Academy is a different model compared to traditional high schools. Students attend school for 260 minutes a day and have the flexibility to attend to other responsibilities.
Porcupine Academy’s curriculum, which is Bright Thinker, is for students to complete only the basic courses required for graduation. This online curriculum aligns with Texas’ graduation requirements. While it gets the job done, Horis emphasizes the need for in-person teaching.
“Bright Thinker is an excellent tool, but it can’t replace the personalized attention a teacher can give,” Horis said. “That’s where our facilitators come in. They ensure students stay on track and provide the necessary feedback.”
Porcupine Academy serves students who are facing academic and behavioral challenges. These students come to the academy after falling behind or struggling in a traditional school setting. While the program can be life-changing for many, Horis says it's not a quick fix for everyone.
“We do everything we can to help students succeed, but they have to meet us halfway,” Horis said. “If a student isn’t willing to take responsibility for their learning, the program won’t work for them.”
One of the challenges at Porcupine Academy is the lack of extracurricular activities for students. Students cannot participate in sports, clubs or other school events at Springtown High School once they transfer to the academy. However, the academy is working on creating opportunities for students to have a sense of community through campus activities.
“We may not have the big events like pep rallies or prom, but we try to make up for it by celebrating academic progress in creative ways,” Horis said. “We’ve had themed dress-up days and we reward students who are doing what they’re supposed to do. It’s about making students feel part of something bigger.”
Despite the program’s challenges, Porcupine Academy has lots of success stories. Since the academy opened last year, 13 students have graduated and have gone on to get full-time jobs or continue their education.
One student who faced lots of medical hardships completed two years of high school in less than one academic year. Another student who had struggled to take school seriously in the past achieved perfect attendance and now works in the oil and gas industry.
“These stories are what keep us going,” Horis said. “We’re here to help students succeed, no matter their circumstances.”
As Porcupine Academy is in its second year, Horis remains focused on the academy's improvement. He believes that regular schools can learn from alternative education models like Porcupine Academy.
“Every student is capable of success if they have the right support systems in place,” Horis said. “We are constantly evolving and finding new ways to help our students succeed and I’m excited to see where we’ll be a year from now.”
For more information about Porcupine Academy, visit www.springtownisd.net/page/porcupine-academy
