Excel and Safe Achieve Academies of Chicago Host Black History Quiz Bowl

In a spirited celebration of Black History Month, students from each Excel Academy (Englewood, Roseland, Southwest, and South Shore) and the Safe Achieve Academy competed in the annual Black History Quiz Bowl last month. The Academies are part of the  Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network. During the exciting “Jeopardy”-style showdown, team members showcased their knowledge of influential Black Americans and their significant contributions to society. There were 100 questions covering a range of topics including history, politics, arts, entertainment, science and discovery, and sports. Now in its 10th year, the quiz bowl brings together [...]

Excel and Safe Achieve Academies of Chicago Host Black History Quiz Bowl2024-04-08T10:47:15-04:00

Excel Academies and Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago Commemorate Black History Month with fun challenges

Students and staff at the Excel Academies and Safe Achieve Academy, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Option Network celebrated Black History Month by taking part in several special activities Leadership at The Excel Academy of Roseland held their first annual Black History Month Trivia Competition and luncheon that highlighted Black culture, history and food. Students and staff also participated in the Urban Trivia challenge, where teams answered questions on Black television, film, music, sports and other topics. For the students, it was an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of Black culture, while building genuine camaraderie among their peers. They [...]

Excel Academies and Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago Commemorate Black History Month with fun challenges2023-04-11T15:57:21-04:00

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A special ceremony on Friday honored seven high school students from the Excel Academy of Englewood. They graduated from the emergency medical responders training program. The 56-hour course is taught by EMS instructors and upon graduation, students have a guaranteed job with Superior Ambulance. This marks the first time high school students were offered enrollment into the EMR program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9-k004PHqc

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program2023-01-24T10:06:37-05:00

Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Imagine the feeling of setting a goal you thought was unrealistic – only to achieve it despite huge odds. Dozens of grads at the Excel Academy schools did just that. CBS 2's Steven Graves met some of the students who are getting a second chance to achieve their academic dreams. The graduation ceremony for the multiple Chicago campuses of Excel Academy was held at Christ Universal Temple, 11901 S. Ashland Ave. At the ceremony, each tear shed is a heavy emotional release. There is joy, fear, shock, and happiness from students - or even a grandmother who could [...]

Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams2022-06-10T12:30:22-04:00

Excel Academy Englewood students inspired by women’s empowerment brunch: ‘The sky is the limit’

When the young women at Excel Academy Englewood encounter challenges in the future following their passion, they're going to remember the women's empowerment brunch at their school. "I learned that the sky is the limit and you can do anything," junior Melody Terry said. "It was good hearing from somebody who started from the bottom and work their way up top and hearing them saying keep going," senior Traviyunna Williams said. In honor of Women's History Month, female students heard from women who have had their share of setbacks, but still accomplished their career goals. "You should always put yourself [...]

Excel Academy Englewood students inspired by women’s empowerment brunch: ‘The sky is the limit’2022-03-28T13:10:05-04:00

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates Black History Month with culture, inspirational speakers and entertainment

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates Black History Month with culture, inspirational speakers and entertainment Students and staff at the Excel Academy of Englewood, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, commemorated Black History Month with several special events. Throughout February, students took in presentations, performances, and discussions led by entrepreneurs, activists, and local community organizations, including: Muntu Dance Theater, African American Cultural Heritage Collection (AACHC), Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., and the Black Fire Brigade. “It was a special time put together by our amazing staff,” said Mr. Ricardo Waddy, Excel Academy of Englewood director of programming and careers. “We are [...]

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates Black History Month with culture, inspirational speakers and entertainment2022-03-17T11:21:25-04:00

SESI Alumnus and Student Mentor Discusses Personal Journey in Chalkbeat Essay

Raynard Gillespie, an alumnus and program mentor at Excel Academy of Englewood in Chicago, wrote a personal essay featured in Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization reporting on education across America. Raynard shares his journey of dropping out of school in ninth grade and then returning to high school at age 19 and graduating from Excel Academy. "At this new school, the teachers and staff didn’t give up on me and always pushed me to improve. If my classmates or I got a C, they helped us work toward a B, and then toward an A. Having someone in my corner [...]

SESI Alumnus and Student Mentor Discusses Personal Journey in Chalkbeat Essay2022-01-28T16:15:44-05:00