Raider Academy Boosts Bloomington Student Success
The new program offers credit recovery and smaller classes to keep high schoolers on track for graduation.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Bloomington High School launched the Raider Academy during the 2025-26 school year to help students catch up on credits. The program uses state grant funding to offer smaller class sizes and asynchronous learning for students needing to complete graduation requirements like world history.
Why it matters
The program addresses a local graduation gap, as District 87 reported a 76.5% graduation rate last year compared to the 89% statewide average. By providing tailored support for students struggling in traditional settings, the district aims to improve academic outcomes and keep students on track.
District 87 received a $125,078 annual grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to fund the program. Current projections suggest 89% of students are on track to graduate this year.
The players
District 87
The local school district administering Bloomington High School and overseeing the Raider Academy program.
Illinois State Board of Education
The state agency that provided a $125,078 annual grant to support local academic programming.
The details
Raider Academy provides credit recovery for students who have previously failed courses or transferred into the district. The program utilizes smaller class environments and self-paced online coursework to fulfill requirements like world history. It is designed specifically for students who face challenges in larger traditional classrooms, excluding those with major behavioral issues.
Timeline
2025-26 school year: Raider Academy began development and operation.
Last year: District 87 recorded a 76.5% graduation rate.
Start of the school year: District 87 projected an 89% graduation track.
The Home Front
This program reflects a growing trend in public education to bridge achievement gaps through targeted grant-funded support. It aligns with state-level efforts to align local district graduation rates with broader statewide benchmarks.
Families with students struggling to complete credits should reach out to guidance counselors at Bloomington High School to determine eligibility for the Raider Academy. Parents should review student transcripts to identify missing graduation requirements like world history.
The takeaway
Smaller, self-paced learning environments are helping local students meet graduation benchmarks that have historically trailed state levels. Contact your student's school office to verify credit status and discuss if supplemental programs are available to keep them on track for graduation.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wglt.
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Do you believe smaller class sizes significantly improve academic outcomes for high school students in your area?
