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 who knows him best – his mother, Michelle. Jayden faced challenges that made traditional classroom settings difficult, such as trouble focusing, constant frustration with learning, being misunderstood, and issues with navigating transitions such as changing classes or working with multiple teachers. He expressed his emotions through tantrums, which often included throwing [...]

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 new areas of the city, engaging in activities and opportunities that many had never been exposed to before. The One Summer Chicago program, funded by the City of Chicago and The Alternative Schools Network, provides youth ages 14-24 with part-time weekly employment and enrichment programs during the summer months. Anthony Haley [...]

Several members of the Excel Academy community recently participated in an important event hosted by the United Black Male Educators (UMBE) of Chicago Public Schools. Students along with Dr. Anthony Haley Jr., regional director, Chicago, and Tyree Booker, school director, Excel Academy Roseland, who are members of the UBME, attended the organization’s inaugural student empowerment conference. The landmark event, held at Olive Harvey Community College, aimed to educate, empower, and elevate Black male students in grades 7-12 from across the District and the city. The conference is one initiative by CPS that helps address the [...]