FLINT, Michigan — In the cities of Pontiac, Flint, and Burton, FLEX High School serves as a beacon of opportunity for students who have faced educational challenges.
Designed specifically to help students who have dropped out and students at risk of dropping out, FLEX High School offers a unique program that not only provides a second chance for students to earn their high school diplomas but also offers a personalized learning approach and comprehensive support through community partnerships.
The school’s mission centers around creating an inclusive, supportive environment tailored to meet the needs of students who may have struggled in traditional school settings. The focus on individualized learning ensures that students receive one-on-one attention which can be a game-changer for those who may have previously felt lost or unsupported in larger classrooms.
“We know that the more we tailor education to the individual, the more they learn, regardless of their skill level,” said Angela Izzo, Principal of FLEX High Schools. “Some students come to FLEX at a 5th-grade level of reading or math, they’re behind in credits and have multiple challenges that keep them from being successful in a traditional school setting.”
FLEX High’s commitment to this vision is evident in its flexible learning schedules which allow students to progress at their own pace while balancing personal responsibilities.
Personalized Learning and Wrap-around Support
One of the key elements of FLEX’s success is its personalized learning program. Unlike traditional schools where students are often required to adhere to a rigid curriculum and timetable, FLEX tailors its educational approach to the individual needs of each student. This method ensures that students can learn at their own pace with instructors providing one-on-one guidance and support.
“Personalized learning with one-on-one support puts the student at the center of everything we do. Whatever their challenge, needs, or goals, we work to remove all obstacles in a student’s way,” said Izzo.
Additionally, FLEX High emphasizes the importance of wrap-around services, providing students and their families with support that extends beyond the classroom.
By partnering with local community organizations, the school can offer a wide range of resources aimed at addressing the challenges many of their students face such as housing instability, mental health support, or access to nutritional services.
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Principal Angela Izzo delivers an orientation to a new group of students and their families.
According to Izzo, at FLEX High School, “We do that by providing individual lesson planning, one-on-one support, and wrap-around services and support from our community partners. We try to remove as many barriers as possible such as providing free meals, bus passes, a hot spot, laptops, baby supplies for our parenting teens, and connections with our community partners for additional services and supplies.”
These community partnerships play a pivotal role in ensuring that FLEX High students receive the comprehensive support necessary to overcome barriers outside of the academic realm. The school’s holistic approach to education aims to prepare students for both graduation and the future beyond.
“Our support to students doesn’t stop when they cross the stage. We now offer and are looking to expand our alumni support services. We have a dedicated team that provides two years of support for career training or placement, and college access and readiness to help smooth their path after graduation, said Izzo.”
A Second Chance for Students
For many students attending FLEX High, this school represents a critical second chance. The challenges these students have faced vary — from difficult family situations and economic hardship to struggles with traditional school environments — but FLEX High’s adaptive model ensures that these young people aren’t written off or left without options.
The personalized learning plans and wrap-around support give students the tools they need to not only earn their high school diplomas but also develop the confidence and skills necessary to pursue further education or enter the workforce.
As the Flint and Burton communities continue to grapple with high rates of poverty and educational inequality, the role of schools like FLEX High becomes even more crucial.
According to Izzo, “Many of our students must deal with adult responsibilities, including the need to work and caring for a child, so flexibility is important. We work with each student to help them meet their personal responsibilities while also meeting the state school attendance requirements.”
“It’s truly remarkable to see students discover their strengths and realize their goals with support and encouragement through caring teachers, our personalized learning model, and one-on-one support,” she added.
Future Planning
FLEX High Schools in Flint and Burton are making a lasting impact by offering more than just an education. They are creating pathways for success for students who the traditional system has marginalized.
Through personalized instruction, strong community partnerships, and the backing of the Genesee Intermediate School District, FLEX High Schools are transforming lives and helping build a brighter future for the region’s youth.
With ongoing efforts to expand support and further enhance the educational experiences offered to students, FLEX High is proving that when schools are designed with students’ diverse needs in mind, success is possible for all students.
“FLEX is always looking for additional community partners and resources for our students,” said Izzo. “Eventually, we would like to expand wrap-around services to benefit whole families in our school community. We are building our CTE program to allow students to earn certificates in health care or business management while still enrolled in high school.”
FLEX High School's North Flint Center is located at 4945 Clio Rd. in Hallwood Plaza, and its Burton Center is located at 1245 S. Center Rd. in Park Place Center. To learn more about FLEX High Schools, visit: flexhighmichigan.org or call: (810) 852-4479.