Mary DiCarlo: How Our Family Navigates Life With A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Families with children on the Autism Spectrum face unique challenges and experiences. Each family’s journey is different, filled with both struggles and triumphs. We want to share their stories, insights, and advice to help and inspire other families going through similar experiences. As part of this interview series, we [...]
Jayden’s Journey at High Road School: a Path to Achievement
This fall, after attending the High Road School of Wallingford for five years, 11-year-old Jayden will start sixth grade in a public school setting. His journey is a testament to his resilience and determination, and the transformative power of specialized support, says the person [...]
Excel Academy students gain job experience and learn new skills
This summer, Excel Academy of Chicago students, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, participated in the city-wide One Summer Chicago program. Over the course of six weeks, more than 110 students across Roseland, South Shore, Southwest, and Englewood Excel Academy schools explored [...]
Valedictorian Tyra Dixon’s Story of Perseverance
Tyra Dixon’s time at Excel Academy of South Shore, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, has been marked by strong academics, student leadership and extracurricular achievements - shaping her into a well-rounded young woman. Her hard work and dedication resulted in [...]
SAFE Achieve Academy students build confidence through hair education
Eight students from SAFE Achieve Academy of Chicago, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Option Network, recently visited Yvenetta "Midge" Welch, the dedicated owner of Issues Barber & Beauty Salon, for a tour and Q&A session at her salon. The students, part of a cosmetology class at the school, [...]
Arien’s High Road Journey
Table of Contents Academic gains Ready for success beyond the High Road School Finding the right educational setting for a child with special needs can be an exhaustive search. Ashley Negron, the mother of Arien, knows this all too well. From [...]
Summer’s Success at BEST Academy
Table of Contents Finding the Right Fit Unwavering Support and Preparation for the Future When Mary enrolled her daughter, Summer, at BEST Academy in 2017, she hoped for a supportive environment where Summer could thrive. Today, nearly seven years [...]
Excel Academy of Southwest students checkmate the opposition to win chess tournament
Excel Academy Students from across Chicago recently gathered at the Excel Academy of Southwest for a day of competition. The school hosted the third annual Excel Academy chess tournament, where teams competed three-on-three-style.Jake Benke, director of the Southwest campus, extoled the virtues of chess as important activity [...]