The Chiles Academy…

..is named in honor of former Florida Governor, Lawton Chiles who believed in improving the lives of all children. We serve any pregnant or parenting teen in Volusia county from grades 6 through 12. You can bring your baby from two weeks to four years old. We offer a specialized curriculum, parenting classes, and free on-site child care for our students. Volusia County school buses will pick you and your baby up in the morning and take you home after school.
We are an ELC school readiness child care provider for 0-3 years for community parents in Volusia County. We also offer a VPK program for children 4 and older.

The mission of The Chiles Academy is to combine a community of support and guidance for pregnant and parenting students with the goal of attaining a high school diploma, which will empower them to become independent and responsible citizens.

Pregnant and parenting students are unique within the realm of dropout prevention. Our philosophy is, that in order to achieve the goal of attaining a high school diploma, this population must have most, if not all the following:

• Consistent, accurate, and non-judgmental communication from caring adults

• A nurturing relationship with an adult

• The opportunity to do something well and recognition for efforts made

• Focus on the person and her individual needs

• A chance to contribute to the community

• The opportunity to work, pursue education, values in life, and strong beliefs

• Help for any kind of abuse, be it neglect, emotional, or physical abuse

• The benefits of abstinence, and postponement of pregnancy

• Allow adolescents to think of their lives in terms of achievement as opposed to just being mothers

• The ability to solve problems, communicate feelings, and negotiate with learned skills