A Second Chance: PACS Offers Stability and Growth Amidst Adversity

“Proud. Inspiring. A second chance.” Those are three ways Aleisa Davenport described Passport Academy Charter School (PACS). When self-doubt and challenges of life became overwhelming, a family member intervened to introduce PACS. Aleisa found success by embracing what was once her last resort, and now it’s clear that the sky is the limit. Her career goals are, in her words, “extraordinary, but possible.”

Moving Forward from the Past

Before PACS, Aleisa felt like just another student slipping through the cracks. She was struggling academically, falling behind and considering dropping out before 11th grade. She had been a troubled kid and feared PACS would let her down like every other school she attended. But this time was different.

At PACS, Aleisa was seen for who she truly was: a student with potential. The teachers didn’t just teach; they held her accountable, pushed her to grow and believed in her. The classwork challenged her, and for the first time, she rose to meet it.

“I proved to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to,” Aleisa said. “My past will never define me.”

High Standards and Support

Aleisa had nothing to lose when she started at PACS. She quickly discovered that the flexible schedule allowed her to care for her household while staying on track academically. The teachers truly cared, and they didn’t lower expectations. They offered support, structure and accountability.

For students like Aleisa, sometimes all it takes is a teacher who believes in them.

“When I would start to give up on myself, show up late or miss an assignment, my teachers held me accountable,” said Aleisa. “The only reason I reached graduation is because I was held to a standard and my teachers believed in me.”

A Whole New Perspective

When Aleisa was on the verge of losing everything, PACS taught her the value of perseverance, dedication, patience, confidence and humbleness. For her, PACS provided a whole new perspective on life.

Now, Aleisa encourages others in her position to take the courageous leap toward a brighter future because, as she states, “The person you owe it to most is yourself.”

What once felt like a last resort became Aleisa Davenport’s launchpad. ​ At PACS, she found her drive and realized that giving up wasn’t an option; her future depended on it.

Today, Aleisa works as a relationship banker at First National Bank.

Her advice? “Focus on what graduation means to you, and don’t lose sight of that."