Graphic with the headline “Graduating Seniors at FLEX Academy” beside a photo of six students posing in front of a DCSS Success Center backdrop. One student sits in a wheelchair at the center.

25 FLEX Academy Students Finish High School Coursework a Semester Early

DCSS

November 12, 2026

Twenty-five Douglas County School System FLEX Academy students will reach an exciting milestone in December, completing all of their high school coursework a semester ahead of schedule.

FLEX Academy is a virtual program for 11th- and 12th-grade students who want to complete their high school education online, said Kenley Fincher, school counselor at the DCSS Success Center, where the program is based.

Students complete coursework online but stay connected to their assigned base high schools. Fincher said that connection is important so FLEX students can take part in the traditional graduation with their peers in May at Legacy Arena.

“While students may choose a different path to completing their education, they deserve the same memorable graduation experience and recognition as their peers,” Fincher said.

New Manchester High School student Caniya Gibson was the first FLEX Academy student to finish her coursework this school year, reaching that milestone in October.

“Graduating in December means so much to me because it’s more than just finishing high school early,” Gibson said. “It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and everything I’ve worked hard for. There were times when things weren’t easy and I let my grades reflect it, but I kept pushing myself because I knew I wanted to accomplish something great. I’m proud of myself for staying focused and reaching this goal. I’m also thankful for my family and everyone who believed in me along the way. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!”

Alexander High School student Jaxson Carver plans to enter the workforce after graduation in the field of water mitigation.

The graduates celebrated with classmates and teachers at a Senior Breakfast on Oct. 21.

Fincher said the students have earned her admiration.

“As the school counselor for the Success Center, these students make my job easy. They have such admirable drive and determination that I even look up to them,” she said.

“These students are going to go far because of who they are. Any college or workplace would be lucky to have them. I am so proud of these students, not just as students, but as human beings.”