To clarify:

I have heard that the ACs' programs are so rigorous that many previously straight-A students get their first B's and C's. Algebra in particular has been mentioned. If a child at a K-8 who was accustomed to straight A's (300 points on the application) transferred to an AC for 7th and 8th but then had to re-apply to the high school, he'd be at risk of lower grades (fewer points) on the HS application than if he had stayed comfortably at the neighborhood, magnet, or RGC school for 7th and 8th and continued to scoop up straight A's.

In my mind, the ACs were place to get a great education while ensuring your spot the high school program. If you got in, there'd be a sigh of relief like, "Glad we won't have to worry about high school!"

I'd love to learn more, so please let me know if I'm misunderstanding. (I used "ackies" because I thought it was universal--I didn't know it was a WY term.)