Hidalgo Academy was opened in 2000 to serve at-risk students who required a less traditional learning environment with more personalized instruction. The goal of this program was to help students recover lost credits and provide them opportunities for post-secondary preparation.

The small program, which started with 2 teachers, a principal, and a secretary, was first housed in Annex B next to Central Office . Eventually, the program moved to its present location at 1315 E. Pirate Dr. The program has now grown to include 4 teachers (including a certified teacher for the DAEP), a counselor/asst. principal, a principal, and staff.

In its short existence, Hidalgo Academy has served an average of 55 students a year and graduated approximately 100 students who might otherwise have dropped out of school.