NATCHEZ — Natchez-Adams School District sophomores, juniors and seniors could jump at the chance to register for a free ACT prep course set for this coming week.

Natchez High School will present the Acosta ACT Crash Course, a two-day intensive course from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Athletic Director Fred Butcher said.

Natchez High School sophomores, juniors and seniors must sign up by 4 p.m. Tuesday. The first 60 students will be accepted. To register, call 601 445-0368. Last year, 72 students took the course.

The course instructor, Lanny Acosta, author and creator of the Acosta ACT Short-course, did his doctoral research on ACT prep techniques.

“I think (Acosta) is a very effective (instructor) because he’s able to hold the students’ attention,” Butcher said.

Formerly the principal at St. John High School and Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Acosta has taught his ACT Short-course in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

He is a published author and has been teaching ACT Prep Courses since 1985.

Acosta, author and creator of the Acosta ACT Short-course, did his doctoral research on ACT prep techniques.

Butcher said an added bonus is that students who take the course can access ACT prep exercises on Acosta’s website.

Because of Acosta’s ongoing relationship with Natchez High School, he will enable every student in the Natchez-Adams School District, grades 7 to 12, access to this program.

A NASD press release said research shows that 82 percent of Acosta’s students improve their composite score on the ACT exam by an average of 2.2 points.

Now a retired math and science teacher, Acosta has devoted much of his time ACT course development, the release said.

He said in the past, some NHS athletes are recruited for college but have not taken the ACT, as required to enter.

Butcher said he hopes the course will encourage all students to take the ACT.