In the case of graduating senior Heidi Schauble, 18, there is absolutely no doubt the Northshore School District’s Secondary Academy for Success (SAS) has had the desired effect.

Schauble talks quickly and confidently about the change the school brought about in her and how it seems likely to affect the rest of her life.

One assumes portions of Schauble’s story are similar to those of all SAS students. She talked about struggling with school, with bad grades and low self-confidence, about how she considered dropping out of school until she arrived at SAS in the ninth grade.

“It was life altering for me… It’s just a totally different atmosphere,” Schauble said, adding that at one time she was convinced she couldn’t compete with the “good” kids who got the better grades.

Schauble, who will graduate from SAS this Friday, has already earned 50 of the 90 credits she needs for an associate’s degree through the Cascadia Community College Running Start program. She’s also picked up four scholarships totaling $6,500 from various local sources such as the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce.

Those scholarships will pay for her continued schooling at Cascadia next year.

“I basically got a free associate’s degree,” Schauble said with a smile.

After Cascadia, Schauble plans on heading to Western Washington University, her ultimate goal being a master’s in teaching. Naturally, once her career gets under way, she hopes to work in an alternative education setting. In a very real way, she already does. Since she’s already earned all the credits she needs to graduate high school, Schauble doesn’t spend much time at SAS anymore. But as part of a Cascadia education course, Schauble volunteers at SAS to help other students.

What is it about SAS that had such an effect on Schauble? She talked first about the school’s regular assemblies, where students are lauded for various achievements.

“They really recognize every little step,” Schauble said, adding SAS instructors are very attentive.

“They won’t let you fall,” she said.

According to Schauble, SAS students don’t receive traditional grades. Students either pass or fail classes and Schauble said teachers put a special emphasis on attitude, behavior, attendance and similar criteria. Schauble added that eventually she figured out that she had to set goals for herself. Achieving those goals became her path to self-confidence.

“I’ve learned that you have to work for what you want,” Schauble said.

As she works toward her education degree, Schauble said she’s been able to tie real life experience into classroom discussions.

She said the students at Cascadia cover a wide age group, so, even though she usually is the youngest person in the room, she doesn’t feel out of place.

“Most people think I’m in my mid-20s,” she added. “It’s really kind of flattering.”