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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]