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Excel Academy of Southwest Celebrates Honor Roll Students

Excel Academies of Southwest, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, recently recognized 36 exceptional students for making Honor Roll during the first quarter. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence serve as a remarkable example for their peers. “These students have not only excelled academically, but have also demonstrated perseverance, discipline and a strong work ethic,” said Principal Moise Ortiz. “Their outstanding accomplishments reflect their drive to succeed and their ability to rise to any challenge.” We congratulate each of these students on their well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing what else they accomplish during the [...]

Excel Academy of Southwest Celebrates Honor Roll Students2024-12-12T15:04:50-05:00

From 10 Schools to the Right Fit for Ryan

For Ryan and his parents, finding the right school was a long and challenging journey. Adopted from Russia nearly 13 years ago, Ryan struggled with behavioral and emotional challenges. Over time, he attended 10 different schools, but none could provide the structure and support he needed. A Shift at High Road School When Ryan enrolled at the High Road School of Massachusetts, things began to change. The school's combination of clear rules and compassionate support gave him a safe space to grow. His mom, Lisa, noted the positive impact on his self-esteem: “Ryan has a lot of [...]

From 10 Schools to the Right Fit for Ryan2024-12-12T13:14:03-05:00

A mother and son’s journey as a part of the Lexington Life family

Damien, a 12-year-old middle schooler, joined Lexington Life Academy - South Mountain after facing significant challenges in the public school system. For his mother, Tairy, finding a safe and supportive educational environment for Damien was crucial. Tairy’s Personal and Professional Growth Since enrolling at the school four years ago, Damien has flourished both academically and socially. His progress is deeply personal for Tairy, who now works as a teaching assistant at Lexington Life. “I wanted to learn more about special needs and how to help children in meaningful ways,” she said. “Taking a job with the school empowered me to support [...]

A mother and son’s journey as a part of the Lexington Life family2024-12-12T14:19:52-05:00

B.E.S.T. Academy Student of the Month November 2024 Marco G

B.E.S.T. Academy Student of the Month November 2024 Marco G Marco G was nominated for BEST Academy’s Student of the Month for the month of November. Across this month, Marco has consistently exhibited Considerate, Accountable, Safe, and Engaged behaviors while in school. For example, he attended and participated in all scheduled related service sessions and classroom group activities. He completed tasks presented to him in a safe and appropriate manner. He also continued to maintain low levels of maladaptive behaviors while in school which has helped him to access his educational rotations across each day. Marco continues to hone [...]

B.E.S.T. Academy Student of the Month November 2024 Marco G2024-12-05T17:55:12-05:00

B.E.S.T. Academy Fall Festival

BEST Academy staff and students participated in our Fall Festival this October. Ms. Dirzius and Ms. Williams greeted everyone as Mario and Luigi. Students picked pumpkins from our patch and were able to decorate pumpkins. Classrooms did fall themed read aloud and did some crafting that allowing students an opportunity to work on social skills within the classroom. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS!

B.E.S.T. Academy Fall Festival2024-12-05T17:14:31-05:00

Fall Fun with Speech and Occupational Therapy

This fall in Speech and Occupational Therapy, we embraced all things fall with festive, hands-on activities! Students participated in edible crafts, games, reading comprehension exercises, multi-step direction tasks, and engaging fine and visual motor activities. One of the highlights was creating Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups in small groups. Small group activities encourage social interaction and peer engagement while reinforcing both speech-language and occupational therapy goals. For this fun project, students used Oreos, candy corn, sprinkles, and pudding cups to build their pumpkin patches. They followed a visual recipe that guided them step-by-step through the process. [...]

Fall Fun with Speech and Occupational Therapy2024-12-05T18:06:16-05:00

Making Private Education Possible

For Passion Hernandez, a lead assistant teacher at Lexington Life Academy-South Mountain, the school isn’t just a workplace – it’s a lifeline for her and her 9-year-old daughter, Serenity. Serenity, who is nonverbal and an eloper (a common behavior for children with autism is to run or wander away from caregivers or secure locations; this is called elopement), experienced an upsetting incident at her previous school. Passion knew she needed a different option. Her search for a school specialized for children on the autism spectrum led her to Lexington four years ago. Today, as both a staff member and [...]

Making Private Education Possible2024-12-26T13:29:23-05:00

This season, finding my gratitude in art and teaching

Educators guide and support students, but also learn from their curiosity, problem-solving skills, and unique ways of thinking Key points: Teaching isn’t a one-way street–students have their own lessons to share Here’s how schools can better support neurodiverse students Why special educators are key to behavioral equity and inclusion As an art teacher at a school for twice-exceptional students, gratitude is drawn into many moments each day. Reflecting on my previous role in a public school, I often felt like I was caught in a whirlwind, focusing on students who weren’t always fully engaged. But here, I have the gift [...]

This season, finding my gratitude in art and teaching2024-12-04T13:38:46-05:00

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