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

Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford

After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a district-run high school. It’s a milestone that reflects how far she’s come and one her family and school team are proud to celebrate. Mel enrolled at High Road after facing behavioral challenges in her previous school, including classroom elopement and physical aggression. At first, the change was difficult. But over time, she began building trusting relationships with staff, accessing support services, and developing coping skills that helped her manage frustration and stay engaged in class. [...]

Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford2025-06-03T17:06:28-04:00

Student Spotlight: Sivaad Brooks of Excel Academy North Class of 2025

Sivaad Brooks’ journey to college has been defined by determination. This fall, he’ll begin his next chapter at York College of Pennsylvania, supported by multiple merit-based scholarships to use toward tuition, an achievement he’s especially proud of. Just a few years ago, Brooks made the difficult decision to leave his previous school, unsure what would come next. It was his grandmother who suggested the accelerated program at Excel Academy to his mother, a decision that he now describes as life-changing. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he said. “But when I came to [...]

Student Spotlight: Sivaad Brooks of Excel Academy North Class of 20252025-05-29T18:09:13-04:00

Chicago Excel & SAFE Campuses Shine at Options Awards Ceremony

Several campuses from Excel and SAFE Academies of Chicago were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2024-2025 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Options Awards Ceremony. The awards celebrate exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a collaborative spirit demonstrated by staff throughout the academic year. “We are proud to extend this recognition, as we honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our colleagues and their campuses,” said Dr. Anthony Haley Jr., Ed.D., regional director, Chicago.​ “Their contributions reflect the highest standards of excellence and commitment to student success.” Campus awards included: Academic Excellence & Collaborative Leadership Awards, Transformational SEL Awards [...]

Chicago Excel & SAFE Campuses Shine at Options Awards Ceremony2025-05-29T18:30:05-04:00

Meet Nikalas Campanello, M.A., BCBA, LBA

When Nikalas Campanello joined the High Road Schools of Hartford in 2024, he brought with him more than just training as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – he brought a deep, personal drive to help students overcome challenges and realize their potential. “I had stuff going on when I was growing up,” Campanello said. “I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know how. Once I discovered the world of behavior analysis, I realized I could support students in becoming more independent and successful in their everyday lives.” Named a 2025 Regional Staff of the Year winner [...]

Meet Nikalas Campanello, M.A., BCBA, LBA2025-05-15T23:43:07-04:00

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