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 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 [...]

Jayden’s Journey at High Road School: a Path to Achievement2024-10-07T22:09:17-04:00

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 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 [...]

Excel Academy students gain job experience and learn new skills2024-08-12T13:16:16-04:00

Excel Academy leaders and students participate in United Black Male Educators of Chicago Public Schools inaugural conference

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 [...]

Excel Academy leaders and students participate in United Black Male Educators of Chicago Public Schools inaugural conference2024-05-16T10:58:19-04:00

Environmental groups, schools mobilize for Earth Day across Far South Side

After her brother died of asthma in 2009, Jermica Davis said she felt pulled to environmental justice work. This year, she spent her Earth Day picking up trash around Altgeld Gardens, the public housing community where she and her brother grew up. “When he passed away, that sparked something in me,” she said. “Working in the community, and actually seeing how the environment can affect the community, that is so important.” Schools and environmental groups across the Far South Side mobilized for the holiday Monday, organizing trash pickups and cleanups. Davis was joined by more than 50 volunteers picking up [...]

Environmental groups, schools mobilize for Earth Day across Far South Side2024-04-26T11:20:25-04:00

Roseland’s Rising Star: Chicago Excel Academy graduate embarks on her college journey

Chloe W, an extraordinary student from Washington Heights and Beverly, recently graduated from Excel Academy of Roseland. Now, at only 16-years-old, she is enrolled at Columbia College Chicago (CCC). This achievement is not only a testament to her academic prowess but reflects her family's deep-rooted belief in the power of education. For Chloe, attending CCC is more than just a personal accomplishment; it's a family value. Chloe, a source of immense pride for her family, is following in the footsteps of her mother, who also enrolled in college at a young age. [...]

Roseland’s Rising Star: Chicago Excel Academy graduate embarks on her college journey2024-03-26T12:47:08-04:00

Excel and Safe Achieve Academies of Chicago Host Black History Quiz Bowl

In a spirited celebration of Black History Month, students from each Excel Academy (Englewood, Roseland, Southwest, and South Shore) and the Safe Achieve Academy competed in the annual Black History Quiz Bowl last month. The Academies are part of the  Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network. During the exciting “Jeopardy”-style showdown, team members showcased their knowledge of influential Black Americans and their significant contributions to society. There were 100 questions covering a range of topics including history, politics, arts, entertainment, science and discovery, and sports. Now in its 10th year, the quiz bowl brings together [...]

Excel and Safe Achieve Academies of Chicago Host Black History Quiz Bowl2024-04-08T10:47:15-04:00

Celebrating Success: Excel Roseland’s First Semester Awards + Luncheon

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).

Celebrating Success: Excel Roseland’s First Semester Awards + Luncheon2024-02-28T09:07:35-05:00

Excel Academy of Roseland Hosts “Keep It Pretty, Girl” Women’s History Month Empowerment Brunch

In honor of Women’s History Month, Excel Academy of Roseland, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, hosted select staff, students, and influential women of Chicago's communities for its second annual empowerment brunch. “Keep it Pretty, Girl”, sought to inspire and motivate students to achieve academic, professional and personal success, while deepening a connection with staff and community leaders. During the event, students engaged with successful businesswomen and community women leaders, discussing career and post-secondary opportunities, goal-setting, paths to success, health, relationships, mentorship and more. Additionally, attendees participated in fun team building exercises and several giveaways. "This was an [...]

Excel Academy of Roseland Hosts “Keep It Pretty, Girl” Women’s History Month Empowerment Brunch2023-05-18T11:13:29-04:00

Excel Academy of Roseland Students Artwork on Display

Recently, eight students from the Excel Academy of Roseland, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, had the opportunity to showcase their artwork and get a taste of the Big Easy in the Windy City. The students, along with some of their loved ones, attended the first annual Mardi Gras for Mental Health Gala hosted by a local nonprofit organization, the Idell-McCarthy Foundation For Second Chances, at the historical Stan Mansion. Excel student artwork was on display during the Mardi Gras-themed black-tie event, where attendees were treated to authentic New Orleans cuisine, live entertainment and festive performances and exhibits. [...]

Excel Academy of Roseland Students Artwork on Display2023-05-17T10:46:49-04:00

Excel Academies and Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago Commemorate Black History Month with fun challenges

Students and staff at the Excel Academies and Safe Achieve Academy, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Option Network celebrated Black History Month by taking part in several special activities Leadership at The Excel Academy of Roseland held their first annual Black History Month Trivia Competition and luncheon that highlighted Black culture, history and food. Students and staff also participated in the Urban Trivia challenge, where teams answered questions on Black television, film, music, sports and other topics. For the students, it was an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of Black culture, while building genuine camaraderie among their peers. They [...]

Excel Academies and Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago Commemorate Black History Month with fun challenges2023-04-11T15:57:21-04:00