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Excel Academy Central

Experience high school differently. With a small, supportive setting, Excel Academy Central offers an accelerated high school track where your student can earn up to 10 credits per year — tuition-free — and graduate in 2.5 years or less. Available to students ages 15-21, our program is focused on academic success, emotional wellness, and social growth.

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School Info

Address

201 East Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120

Hours
Mon – Fri 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Grades
9-12

Phone
1-215-346-8970

District
Philadelphia School District

Transit Routes
  • Bus 18
  • Bus 26, Bus 57

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Designed to help students ages 15-21 who are behind in credits, Excel Academy Central is a tuition-free school of choice where students feel safe, seen, and supported.

Relationships are at the heart of our school. We get to know each student to identify their individual needs, challenges, and strengths, and then provide the care, counseling, and support needed to help them succeed in school—and in life.

In a smaller, more personal setting than traditional high schools can provide, Excel Academy is an accelerated program that provides your student with the opportunity to earn up to 5 credits per semester and 10 credits per year, making it possible for them to graduate in 2.5 years or less.

By developing coping and problem-solving skills, Excel Academy students build emotional resilience, gain confidence, and recognize their own agency in realizing their full potential.

Related services offered at this school include clubs, intramurals, conflict resolution partnership with Temple University, counseling services, sports and recreation, and student government tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Excel Academy Central Apart

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Our Learning Pathways

  • Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Students We Serve

    • Over-age or under-credited students at risk of dropping out of high school

    • Learners who have experienced chronic absences or academic disruption

    • Students motivated to catch up and graduate but in need of structured academic planning

    • Youth exploring post-secondary options who benefit from individualized guidance and support

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    We offer dedicated programs to help students earn credits at an accelerated pace—almost twice as fast as in traditional classrooms. This proven approach helps close grade-level gaps and keep students on track for graduation.

  • Tailored Programs

    Tailored Programs

    We carefully assess unique student needs and then craft personalized programs that allow each student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Progress is continuously monitored, ensuring key milestones are met and celebrated.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

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  • Jarrad holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management with a concentration in teaching and coaching from York College of Pennsylvania. With over 15 years of experience in educational leadership, Jarrad currently serves as the executive director at Excel Academy Central in Philadelphia, overseeing a team of 20 staff members and a student body of 200.

    Prior to this role, Jarrad served as executive director at Excel Academy South where he led a team of 40 staff members and played a key role in fostering a positive, safe academic environment for a student body of 400.

    His expertise spans team management, operational leadership, and behavior intervention, having held positions as director of operations and team leader within SESI. Jarrad is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive educational environments that prepare students for future success. He is also a certified CPI Instructor and has extensive experience in crisis prevention and intervention.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • On Track to Graduate and Head to College

    From the application process forward the team have been very informative. They are dedicated to each child and their specific needs. The staff at Excel Academy keeps me up on all tests, trips and activities. I have recommended several of my friends and family to join the Excel team and further their children’s learning experiences. I’m so proud to say that with Excel Academy my child is on the path to graduate on time and attend college. I could not have chosen a better school.

    Meia C.
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Events & Stories

  • School Events and Stories

    May Day Event 2025
    Staff and students from the Excel, Achieve, and Continuation Academies in Philadelphia wrapped up the school year with the annual May Day celebration on…
    June 3, 2025
  • Articles
    Student Spotlight

    From High School to Nursing School: Hassaanah Chandler’s Inspiring Journey
    Hassaanah Chandler’s Path to Nursing At just 17 years old, Hassaanah Chandler is already making incredible strides toward her future….
    February 6, 2025
  • School Events and Stories

    Excel Academies of Philadelphia Give Thanks
    Thanksgiving and the holiday season offer a time to reflect, give back, and foster joy—values embraced at Excel Academies in…
    December 12, 2024

Resources

  • Articles

    Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford
    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • News

    SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS
    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • News

    Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month
    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • Yes! We have a year-round enrollment policy, allowing students to join our program at any time during the school year.

  • Simply complete the registration form available on our website, or contact us directly for assistance. We’ll guide you through the process to ensure a smooth transition.

Contact Excel Academy Central