The Star Academy Program in Richland County School District One at Olympia Learning Center is a hands-on, school-within-a-school program that provides a personalized approach to educating students, many of whom would otherwise likely become dropouts. The Olympia Learning Center STAR Academy is an innovative approach designed to help overage middle school students who have previously been retained two or more grades, are in need of academic assistance, and may have other at-risk factors for dropping out of school.  Through recommendations from each middle school in Richland County School District One, eligible students participate in a year-long program of acceleration where they will learn study skills, participate in numerous interactive hands-on learning experiences, build team work skills, participate in work-based activities, participate in service learning projects and have the opportunity to earn up to eight Carnegie units to be used toward high school graduation.  This program will allow students to complete 8^th and 9^th grade in one academic year and move successfully into a career and technology program at the 10^th grade level with the ultimate goal of graduating from high school and pursuing further education and/or gainful employment.