Aledo ISD Launches Aledo Grad My Way offering customizable, flexible path to graduation for AHS students

ALEDO, Texas, January 12, 2026 - Aledo Independent School District is reimagining the high school experience with the launch of Grad My Way, a new flexible path to graduation designed to provide Aledo High School students with more choice, relevance and personalization - another example of how the district is committed to exceptional experiences for all students.

Grad My Way offers AHS students the opportunity to customize and have more choice in how - and where - they learn, blending face-to-face instruction with virtual learning and also offering an additional off period for qualifying senior students to focus on what’s important to them.

This is not an application-based program - it’s a way for all students to reenvision their high school path to graduation.

“We’ve had students and parents ask for more learning opportunities that align with real-world demands and offer more flexibility in scheduling,” Aledo ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn said. “Grad My Way is our response - an intentional, student-centered approach that expands options without lowering expectations. 

“As with any new initiative, we will ask for your grace and input as we roll out this new way for students to complete their path to graduation,” Bohn said. “We are committed to continuing to operate at the high standard that meets and exceeds our community’s expectations - which is why we intentionally started with our oldest students and only certain options - and to expand options for students in the coming years based on input from our students, parents and teachers.”

The district started planning for these changes in earnest more than a year ago with an innovative learning committee that is composed of high school administrators and counselors, instructional specialists, and other district instructional leaders. Feedback from students and teachers revealed a common theme: the time students need, particularly as they are nearing graduation, to invest in homework and studying, but also to hold a job/internship, for additional college prep (i.e., SAT/ACT prep, essays, scholarship applications), or for additional training for extracurricular, fine arts and athletic pursuits. In addition, in 2025, the Texas Legislature revised the law to create more options for instructional delivery for school districts.

Grad My Way will begin in the 2026-2027 school year impacting mostly juniors and seniors whose age, experience and evolving responsibilities make them well-suited for increased flexibility. Students will remain fully enrolled at Aledo High School - with the same academic, athletic, fine arts, extracurricular, and career and technical education options - and supported by counselors, teachers and administrators.

Through Grad My Way, during their high school career at Aledo High School, students who are eligible based on district-set academic standing prerequisites may choose to take a combination of face-to-face classes, virtual anywhere courses, and virtual courses on campus. Virtual courses will be delivered through AISD’s higher education partners or online curriculum resource partner.

Students will be fully supported by AHS counselors, beginning with their annual spring course selection process and meetings with their assigned counselor. More information is also available in the 2026-2027 Academic Planning Guide and online at aledoisd.org/gmw.

“We know that each student’s path to graduation is not one-size-fits-all, so we hope Grad My Way will help our students be successful and maximize their high school experience,” Aledo High School Principal Michael Martinak said. “Grad My Way represents the beginning of a broader vision for innovation in Aledo ISD.”