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Excel Academy Central Students Stitch Up New Skills in Sewing Club

Every Friday afternoon, a buzz of creativity fills the room at Excel Academy Central’s sewing club. Led by English teacher Karyn Driscoll, the club gives students a chance to learn a practical skill while expressing their creativity. The club began last year after a student asked Driscoll to teach them how to sew. With donations, a small fundraiser, and fabric from her personal stash, she launched the two-hour weekly afterschool program. Equipped with four sewing machines and an overlock serger, four students attend regularly, with a few more dropping in [...]

Excel Academy Central Students Stitch Up New Skills in Sewing Club2025-04-24T17:35:57-04:00

11th Annual Black History Bowl: Celebrating Knowledge & Legacy!

Students from each Chicagoland Excel Academy (Englewood, Roseland, Southwest, and South Shore) and the Safe Achieve Academy put their knowledge to the test last month in the highly anticipated Black History Quiz Bowl. Held in honor of Black History Month, this annual competition is a highlight of the school year for students who attend the schools, all part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network. In a fast-paced, quiz show-style competition, team members demonstrated their expertise on influential Black Americans and their lasting contributions to society. The game included 100 thought-provoking questions covering history, politics, arts, entertainment, science and discovery, [...]

11th Annual Black History Bowl: Celebrating Knowledge & Legacy!2025-04-11T20:18:00-04:00

Staff Spotlight: Achieve Academy of Harrisburg’s Terence Wiggins Shaping Students Lives

At Achieve Academy of Harrisburg, School Director Terence Wiggins is more than an administrator – he’s a mentor, leader, and champion for student success. With over 30 years working in education, he’s an expert at helping students push beyond their comfort zones while ensuring they feel valued and supported. Over the past 10 years at Achieve Academy, Mr. Wiggins rose from behavior specialist to school director. Named campus Staff of the Year in 2023, he is dedicated to fostering an environment where students thrive. Originally on track to become a police officer, his path shifted in college [...]

Staff Spotlight: Achieve Academy of Harrisburg’s Terence Wiggins Shaping Students Lives2025-04-10T16:38:09-04:00

The Graham Academy Named Best of the Best 2025 Winner

We are proud to share that the Graham Academy has been named the gold winner for Best Special Education Facility category in the Times Leader Media Group’s Best of the Best 2025 awards. “We are beyond grateful to everyone who voted for the Graham Academy in The Times Leader Best of the Best competition. Your support means the world to us and is a true testament to the incredible community we have here,” said Carol McGrane, regional director, Graham Academy. The annual readers’ choice awards program spotlights top organizations and businesses across a range of categories. “We couldn’t have achieved [...]

The Graham Academy Named Best of the Best 2025 Winner2025-03-26T17:53:25-04:00

Olney Continuation Academy & Stetson Continuation Academy Celebrate Black History Month with Trip to Washington, D.C.

As part of the schools’ Black History Month observance, students from Olney Continuation Academy and Stetson Continuation Academy took a field trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The day long adventure offered an immersive opportunity for students to engage with the rich history, resilience, and cultural contributions of African Americans. For many students, the trip marked their first-time visit to the nation’s capital – and for some, their first time leaving Philadelphia – making the trip even more eye-opening. Nearly 30 students, along with staff members, made the trek to D.C. JaQuay [...]

Olney Continuation Academy & Stetson Continuation Academy Celebrate Black History Month with Trip to Washington, D.C.2025-03-13T16:30:27-04:00

Celebrating a Decade of Impact

This fall marks Jennifer Johnson’s 10-year anniversary with High Road Schools of Connecticut and B.E.S.T. Academy. Johnson knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. Inspired by the educators in her life–especially her sixth-grade homeroom and science teacher –who helped solidify Johnson’s decision to pursue a career in education. That passion led her to a career in special education, where she has dedicated herself to helping students overcome challenges and achieve success. Today as regional director, Johnson helps lead multiple schools, shaping the lives of both students and educators. We sat down with her to reflect on [...]

Celebrating a Decade of Impact2025-03-13T16:21:12-04:00

A Life-Changing Experience at Lexington Life Academy

A Father’s Journey to Find the Best Support When Robert McMahon took on a greater role in managing his daughter Mackenzie’s education two years ago, he wanted to ensure she continued receiving the best support possible. She was already enrolled at Lexington Life Academy, and as he worked more closely with the school, he saw firsthand just how much it was helping her thrive. “She’s learned so much,” McMahon said. “Her behavior, her knowledge – everything has improved. It’s because of the staff. They take the time to work with her, and it’s made all the difference.” [...]

A Life-Changing Experience at Lexington Life Academy2025-03-20T10:14:30-04:00

How Lexington Life Academy Helped Charles Find His Voice

Lexington Life Academy Autism Support: A Life-Changing Journey for Charles When So’Toya Boyd’s son, Charles, was diagnosed with autism in 2021, she wasn’t sure where to start. Navigating school options and figuring out the right support system felt overwhelming. Thankfully, she had guidance from her sister, whose own child had attended Lexington Life Academy. That recommendation led Boyd to a learning environment that would transform Charles’ life. “Since being there, he has blossomed,” Boyd said. “He used to melt into the background, but now he’s advocating for himself, talking more, and feeling comfortable in class. It took [...]

How Lexington Life Academy Helped Charles Find His Voice2025-03-04T12:48:38-05:00

Student Spotlight: Charles McLaughlin of Achieve Academy of Harrisburg

Charles McLaughlin, a recent graduate of Achieve Academy of Harrisburg, has a knack for hands-on work. With a love for building and creating, he knew early on that a traditional college route wasn't the right path. Instead, he set his sights on trade school, where he could develop practical skills and launch a fulfilling career. After careful consideration, McLaughlin chose to pursue a career in masonry. School leaders believe he will excel as he learns the trade. According to School Director Cammeron Woodyard, McLaughlin’s leadership, dedication and hard work while at Achieve Academy of Harrisburg have helped [...]

Student Spotlight: Charles McLaughlin of Achieve Academy of Harrisburg2025-02-11T16:16:13-05:00

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