Phoenix Academy Celebrates the Class of 2025

Leadership at Phoenix Academy recently held the annual Senior Sendoff, honoring their incredible spring graduates. The afternoon was filled with emotional moments and well-deserved celebration as seniors soaked in the excitement of earning their diplomas. On Thursday, May 29, 94 seniors from Phoenix Academy walked the stage at the School District of Lancaster’s annual commencement ceremony at Clipper Stadium. “These students have overcome obstacles with resilience, unwavering determination, and perseverance to earn their diplomas,” said Joseph Gettle, director, Phoenix Academy. “As the [...]

Phoenix Academy Celebrates the Class of 20252025-06-16T15:57:01-04:00

The 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony was held on Thursday, June 12.

The High Roads team was so excited to celebrate Arnaldo's accomplishments. This was Arnaldo's first year in our High Roads program. In such a short period, he earned high honors and participated in mainstream courses. He has demonstrated significant improvement and excellence in both his behavior and academics. He is considerate to staff and peers and displays accountability for his actions. Most importantly, he has learned to advocate for help. Arnaldo has demonstrated the vision we had in opening this new middle school in-district classroom: [...]

The 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony was held on Thursday, June 12.2025-06-16T13:42:37-04:00

Celebrating a Graduation Once Thought Out of Reach

For many students at our accelerated high schools in Philadelphia, graduating once felt out of reach because of circumstances that made it hard to stay on track. But on June 9, that goal became a reality. Students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia campuses (North, South, and Central), Achieve Academy of Philadelphia, Achieve Academy of Philadelphia East Campus, and Philadelphia Continuation Academy gathered at the Temple Performing Arts Center for their graduation ceremony. Dr. Shakeera Warthen-Canty, assistant superintendent for the School District of [...]

Celebrating a Graduation Once Thought Out of Reach2025-06-12T16:33:35-04:00

Student Spotlight: Samirah Watkins of Excel Academy South, Class of 2025

Samirah Watkins, a standout student at Excel Academy South, has shown how determination and heart can lead to incredible success. Heading to Widener University this fall, her story is a testament to her drive and highlights the importance of support from the school community. Watkins transferred to Excel Academy South in 2023 looking for a fresh start. “I came in thinking I couldn’t do it,” she said. “But Excel welcomed me with open arms. Everyone wanted to help me succeed.” In less than two years, Watkins brought her GPA to a 4.0, served as treasurer of the student government, served [...]

Student Spotlight: Samirah Watkins of Excel Academy South, Class of 20252025-06-12T16:11:12-04:00

Fun-Filled Field Trips to Celebrate the end of the School Year

The High Road School of Delaware community celebrated the end of the school year with field trips to Main Event and Plumpton Park Zoo. Students who earned level three or level four status took part in the outings, which served as a reward for their hard work and growth. At Main Event, students bowled, played arcade games, competed in laser tag, and tackled the gravity ropes course. While visiting Plumpton Park Zoo, they saw a variety of animals, including camels, sheep, llamas, and goats. [...]

Fun-Filled Field Trips to Celebrate the end of the School Year2025-06-12T16:02:04-04:00

High Road School of Nashville Executive Principal Honored

Gentry Campbell, executive principal at the High Road School of Nashville, was recently recognized for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to student development, family engagement, and community impact. The Honorable Harold M. Love, Jr., representative of Tennessee’s 58th District, presented a formal proclamation honoring Campbell at the Tennessee State Capitol. Surrounded by her colleagues and family, Campbell celebrated the meaningful moment. “I’m deeply honored and grateful to receive this recognition,” said Campbell, who has been with High Road since 2018. “It’s a privilege to holistically support our students as they grow [...]

High Road School of Nashville Executive Principal Honored2025-06-12T15:51:48-04:00

Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco

Celebrating an Incredible Educator: Mary Rico Named 2025 Teacher of the Year We’re thrilled to congratulate Mary Rico, an extraordinary educator at Sierra School of Sonoma County, for being named Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI)’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! With a heart full of compassion and a philosophy grounded in seeing students as individuals, not just behaviors. Mary brings a powerful, human-centered approach to the classroom. Whether she’s rolling on the carpet with students or helping them develop self-agency, her work goes far beyond academics. She’s a mentor, a motivator, and a daily source of hope. Don’t miss her [...]

Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco2025-06-11T20:12:30-04:00

High Road School of Naperville Bids Farewell to the 2024-2025 School Year

From a fun-filled and spirited field day to cheering on the Joliet Slammers baseball game, High Road School of Naperville students enjoyed a well-deserved celebration to mark the end of school year. “As we close out the school year, we remain committed to fostering an environment full of engaging, rewarding experiences that recognize our students’ hard work and growth– because that’s how we all succeed,” said Cheryl Wagemann, executive director of High Road School of Naperville. Wishing the Class of 2025 continued [...]

High Road School of Naperville Bids Farewell to the 2024-2025 School Year2025-06-06T17:17:59-04:00

Student Spotlight: Aajee Muhammad-Russum of Excel Academy North Class of 2025

At just 18, Aajee Muhammad-Russum is a powerful example of perseverance, leadership, and heart. A senior at Excel Academy North, Muhammad-Russum will attend Howard University this fall, supported by a merit-based scholarship that opened doors once thought closed. She is the first in her family to attend college and she’s doing it with purpose. “This is really important to me and for my mom and my sisters. We didn’t start at this point. We didn’t have help, and I just want to give them what we never had.” The oldest of six sisters she takes her role seriously. Raised by [...]

Student Spotlight: Aajee Muhammad-Russum of Excel Academy North Class of 20252025-06-06T16:16:20-04:00