Community First High School

09/09/2026

🎓 Enrollment is opening!
Online. Flexible. Individualized.
Your future starts here. 💙💛

08/31/2026

08/23/2026

Celebrating my 11th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

08/14/2026

THE MIND OF MR. GARRISON

The Belief of the Walk We Carry

The world calls what we do second-chance education. We use that language because it is the door people know to walk through.
But once you are inside, understand this: we do not believe in second chances. We believe in first chances that were never given.
Our assessment testing shows that most students entering our program—whether 16 or 21—are functioning at a fourth-grade level or lower. The school system passed them along, but the learning stopped long ago. The foundation was never built.
We are not only talking about obviously behind students. We also see "advanced" students who arrive with credits and passing grades, yet struggle with reading comprehension and learning comprehension the moment real work begins. No one is above this situation. If the foundation is cracked, we go back and repair it—regardless of how the student looks on paper.
And for some of our younger students, the barrier is even more basic than school: they do not have a stable place to live. Some are moving couch to couch, week to week, trying to learn while trying to survive. Housing instability is not separate from education. It is the ground beneath their feet, and when that ground shifts daily, the building takes longer.
We do not look down on any student for this. We expect it. We go back to the basics. We do not rush past them. The basics are the real work. And once that foundation is laid, the same student who was "unmotivated" suddenly realizes they can do this.
We cannot hand a student a diploma equivalent in six months simply because the calendar says it is time. Before a student can pass the HiSET, they must first learn how to be a student: discipline, structure, and the habit of showing up consistently. These are prerequisites, not extras.
This requires a three-legged stool: the school, the student, and—when the student is under 18—the parent or guardian. We will build the platform, hold the light, and remain. But the walking is yours.
It would be our honor to help your child earn their high school equivalency diploma. We do not take that trust lightly. If you are ready to begin, we are ready to walk with you.
—Mr. Garrison
Community First High School
doing business as Community First Academy

08/13/2026

THE MIND OF MR. GARRISON

The Belief of the Walk We Carry

The world calls what we do second-chance education. We use that language because it is the door people know to walk through.

But once you are inside, understand this: we do not believe in second chances. We believe in first chances that were never given.

Our assessment testing shows that most students entering our program—whether 16 or 21—are functioning at a fourth-grade level or lower. The school system passed them along, but the learning stopped long ago. The foundation was never built.

We are not only talking about obviously behind students. We also see “advanced” students who arrive with credits and passing grades, yet struggle with reading comprehension and learning comprehension the moment real work begins. No one is above this situation. If the foundation is cracked, we go back and repair it—regardless of how the student looks on paper.

And for some of our younger students, the barrier is even more basic than school: they do not have a stable place to live. Some are moving couch to couch, week to week, trying to learn while trying to survive. Housing instability is not separate from education. It is the ground beneath their feet, and when that ground shifts daily, the building takes longer.

We do not look down on any student for this. We expect it. We go back to the basics. We do not rush past them. The basics are the real work. And once that foundation is laid, the same student who was “unmotivated” suddenly realizes they can do this.

We cannot hand a student a diploma equivalent in six months simply because the calendar says it is time. Before a student can pass the HiSET, they must first learn how to be a student: discipline, structure, and the habit of showing up consistently. These are prerequisites, not extras.

This requires a three-legged stool: the school, the student, and—when the student is under 18—the parent or guardian. We will build the platform, hold the light, and remain. But the walking is yours.

It would be our honor to help your child earn their high school equivalency diploma. We do not take that trust lightly. If you are ready to begin, we are ready to walk with you.

—Mr. Garrison
Community First High School
doing business as Community First Academy

08/10/2026

PARENT AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

At Community First High School, doing business as Community First Academy, we believe every student deserves another opportunity to succeed. We meet students where they are and provide individualized instruction, HiSET preparation, guidance, encouragement and academic support. Classes are held online for four hours a day, Monday through Thursday.

We recognize that when students join our program, they are often already facing significant life challenges. Many have been out of school for some time, are behind academically or are dealing with housing instability, financial hardship, bullying, anxiety, work obligations, family responsibilities or other difficult circumstances. These barriers can make it challenging for anyone to move forward without support.

Our role is to provide high-quality instruction, track student progress, communicate concerns and consistently encourage every learner. We remain patient, supportive and committed throughout each student’s educational journey. However, meaningful and lasting progress is only possible through a strong partnership among the school, the student and the parent or guardian.

For students under 18, parents and guardians are expected to remain actively involved by monitoring attendance, encouraging participation, responding to school communications and ensuring that students complete assigned work. Adult students are responsible for managing their own attendance, participation, communication and academic progress.

All students are responsible for attending class regularly, participating in instruction, communicating with staff, following school expectations and putting forth consistent effort to succeed.

Community First cannot attend class, complete assignments or make academic commitments on behalf of students. We provide the opportunity, instruction, resources and support—but students and families must take responsibility for using them effectively.

Families should also understand that rebuilding academic skills, confidence, discipline and positive learning habits takes time. Immediate results should not be expected. Progress will vary based on each student’s starting academic level, attendance, participation and effort. We meet students where they are and support them step by step as they move forward.

When parents, students and school staff each fulfill their responsibilities and work together, students gain a genuine opportunity to prepare for the HiSET examination, earn an official high school equivalency credential and move forward toward college, career training, employment or entrepreneurship.

We are deeply grateful to every student and family who has trusted Community First High School. Over the years, we have provided educational support and services to more than 2,200 young people and adults, and we are proud to have celebrated 50 graduates.

We understand the challenges and barriers our students must overcome, which is why every graduate represents a significant achievement. Each one reflects a personal story of courage, perseverance and hope. They continued moving forward despite the obstacles they faced, and we are honored to have supported them on their journey.

We value our families, believe in our students and love serving our community. We look forward to continuing this important work and helping many more young people and adults overcome barriers, earn their high school equivalency credentials and build brighter futures.

Mr. Garrison
Community First High School
doing business as Community First Academy

07/09/2025

Students who have attended Community First High School in Bossier City, Louisiana, generally express very positive sentiments, highlighting the supportive environment and the opportunity to achieve their educational goals. Here's a summary of what they often say:
* Supportive and Nurturing Environment: A recurring theme is the feeling of being in a "less stressful and less pressured environment." Students appreciate the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, where teachers and staff are described as "kind and sweet," "encouraging and helpful," and genuinely invested in their success. One student mentioned that the school provides "an environment to grow and learn" and is "friendly and open."
* Individualized Attention and Teacher Support: Students value the individualized instruction and the willingness of teachers to help them understand difficult subjects. They mention that teachers are "always eager to help someone that may not fully understand the subject being presented."
* Path to HiSET Diploma: The core benefit for many students is the ability to earn their HiSET Diploma, which opens up new opportunities. Testimonials frequently mention feeling empowered and having "better choices in my life path."
* Overcoming Past Challenges: For many, Community First High School represents a second chance. Students who may have struggled in traditional school settings due to personal issues, learning disabilities (like ADHD), or life circumstances (like homelessness or early pregnancy) find the support they need to succeed. One student explicitly stated, "Without Community First High School I may have given up on education completely."
* Holistic Support and Future Planning: Beyond academics, students appreciate the "wrap-around services" and guidance. They mention receiving information about continuing education (like programs at Bossier Parish Community College) and job training. This helps them "advance in their professional career or personal life" and "get their life back on track."
* Increased Confidence and Well-being: Students often report a significant improvement in their mental and emotional well-being. One student shared that they were "no longer dealing with anxiety and depression about going to school" and that the program helped them become "more disciplined and to align with my goals."
In summary, students view Community First High School as a highly impactful and supportive institution that not only helps them earn their HiSET Diploma but also provides the necessary tools and encouragement for personal growth and a brighter future.

04/02/2025

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