Step 1 of 4
Apply online
Tell us about your student in a short online application. It only takes a few minutes.
A Jackson nonprofit for fully virtual studentsOnline school
doesn’t have to mean
on your own.
Rise Above gives high school students in fully virtual programs a real classroom, face-to-face support, and relationships that help them finish strong.
Hope. Courage. Jackson.
01Our mission
Our mission
Rise Above allows students to reach their God-given potential through relationship restoration and academic credit recovery.
Founded by Neil and Veronica Fernandes, Rise Above exists to give hope to high school students who are struggling, through education, life skills, and character development. We also connect students to community resources through networking and resource sharing, so support reaches well beyond the classroom.
Read our story02The program
One program, built for virtual students.
Since the fall of 2020, Rise Above has helped students who were struggling in virtual school. Today it is our only focus. Students stay enrolled in their fully virtual program and do the work here, surrounded by people who want to see them win.
Explore the program
Inside Rise Above
Hands-on projects and people who notice.
The school day
8:30 to 2:30
Monday to Friday. A real school day, with the structure students need to catch up and keep up.
Face-to-face tutoring
In-person help for the classes that need it, so no one is stuck staring at a screen alone.
Internet and computers
Reliable high-speed internet and computer access, in a focused space built for learning.
Academic and social support
A smaller setting where it is easier to focus, easier to ask for help, and easier to be known.
Relationship restoration
Rebuilding trust and healthy relationships is at the heart of everything we do.
03How enrollment works
Four steps to a fresh start.
Rise Above only serves students enrolled in a fully virtual program. If that sounds like your student, here is what to expect.
Do this first
Request transcripts now.
If your student is accepted after the in-person interview, we will need a few documents, including transcripts. Transcripts take the longest to arrive, so ask your student’s current or previous school for them as soon as you apply.
- Step 2 of 4
Meet us in person
We will invite you to an in-person interview at our building on Fleming Ave. so we can get to know your student.
- Step 3 of 4
Send documents
If your student is accepted, we will need a few enrollment documents, including transcripts.
- Step 4 of 4
Start strong
Your student joins the Rise Above classroom, Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Real students.Real fresh starts.04In their words
I don’t remember the last time someone told me that my son had a great day at school. Thank you!
When I first got here, I was unsure if it would work or not. But it has because the environment is smaller so it is easier to focus.
I didn’t think that telling the truth worked, but it sure does!
My son attended Rise Above a couple of years ago. He loved it and we feel lucky that we found out about the program when we needed it. It’s a wonderful program to have in the Jackson area.
05Life at Rise Above
More than a classroom. A crew.
Climbing walls, fishing trips, shop projects, and certificate days. Relationships grow when students get to do life together.
Follow along
06Community partners
In good company.
Rise Above works alongside Jackson-area churches, businesses, and organizations who believe in our students. Together we make sure no student has to rise alone.
Become a partner
Get involved
Every student deserves someone in their corner.
Enroll a student, give a gift, or partner with us. However you choose to help, you are part of a Jackson teen’s fresh start.