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 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

Excel Academy of Roseland Alumna Delivers Meals and Inspiration to Students

If you ask Jakayla Kitt about the Excel Academy of Roseland, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, she’ll tell you it was the best high school she ever attended. Kitt, who graduated in 2015, said she lacked the motivation to go to school when she was younger, which lead to her dropping out multiple times. However, that changed once she enrolled at the Excel Academy.  “I had an apartment and a job,” she said. “I thought I didn’t need a diploma. But at Excel, I felt like someone cared. That made me want to come to school. I felt [...]

Excel Academy of Roseland Alumna Delivers Meals and Inspiration to Students2023-02-02T09:29:45-05:00

Season of Giving and Gratitude at Excel Academy of Roseland

What better way to bring in the holiday cheer than sharing with others during the season of giving? Students at the Excel Academy of Roseland, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, channeled the spirit of giving back with this year’s “HOLI-Dance”. Staff asked students to bring at least one canned food item for entry to the event. By the end of HOLI-Dance, approximately 75 cans were collected for donation to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church’s food pantry. HOLI-Dance attendees were also entered into a drawing for a free turkey, with student Jakari taking home the traditional Thanksgiving entrée. Excel [...]

Season of Giving and Gratitude at Excel Academy of Roseland2022-12-29T14:22:30-05:00

A Decade of Service

This month marks Ashanti Brooks’ 10th year as an employee at the Excel Academy of Roseland, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network. As a member of the school’s founding team, Brooks has witnessed Excel Roseland’s growth and impact on students. Her role and reach as school clerk extends far beyond the school day. A familiar face known by students and staff, Brooks says the impact she makes on young people keeps her motivated year after year. It also keeps her answering texts from students after hours and ensuring she is a continuous source of support. A decade [...]

A Decade of Service2022-09-22T12:52:06-04:00

Catching up with Excel Academy of Roseland 2019 valedictorian

Since graduating from the Excel Academy of Roseland three years ago, Kewhawn George hasn’t stopped furthering his education or finding ways to better himself. His strong dedication to self-improvement is something he credits the staff at Excel for helping him embrace. Before enrolling at the Excel Academy of Roseland, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, George spent seven years away from school after dropping out. But in 2017, he was tired of sitting around with nothing productive to fill his time. When his sister mentioned her interest in the Excel Academy, George decided to take control of his [...]

Catching up with Excel Academy of Roseland 2019 valedictorian2022-07-18T11:57:01-04:00

Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Imagine the feeling of setting a goal you thought was unrealistic – only to achieve it despite huge odds. Dozens of grads at the Excel Academy schools did just that. CBS 2's Steven Graves met some of the students who are getting a second chance to achieve their academic dreams. The graduation ceremony for the multiple Chicago campuses of Excel Academy was held at Christ Universal Temple, 11901 S. Ashland Ave. At the ceremony, each tear shed is a heavy emotional release. There is joy, fear, shock, and happiness from students - or even a grandmother who could [...]

Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams2022-06-10T12:30:22-04:00