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

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 May 23. Held at the picturesque Lemon Hill Picnic Area in Fairmount Park, the event gave students a well-deserved break from the classroom and a chance to enjoy a day in the fresh air. Available activities included baseball, basketball, a zip line, climbing wall, and bounce houses. New this year was a 360 photo booth that gave students a way to capture memories from the day. A DJ kept the energy high and students were also [...]

May Day Event 20252025-06-03T17:47:44-04:00

Talk, not fists: Philadelphia students with discipline issues learn how to defuse conflict

Between our 90 standalone day schools and 90-plus In-District Classroom partnerships across 17 states, SESI serves nearly 8,000 special education students every year—many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Talk, not fists: Philadelphia students with discipline issues learn how to defuse conflict2023-11-29T15:17:01-05:00

May Day in the Park for Philadelphia Students

Staff and students from several Specialized Education Services, Inc.(SESI) schools in Philadelphia didn’t let the date deter them from celebrating May Day on June 3. The annual event, held in the Lemon Hill Picnic Area of Fairmount Park, brought together students from the Achieve Academies of Philadelphia, Excel Academy North, Excel Middle Years Academy, and Stetson Academy. May Day started in 2013 as a one-school event and grew into the multi-school celebration it is today. Held a little later this year due to park availability, the event served as a large-scale end of the year celebration. May Day provides students [...]

May Day in the Park for Philadelphia Students2022-07-19T10:09:57-04:00