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Celebrating a Graduation Once Thought Out of Reach

For many students at our accelerated high schools in Philadelphia, graduating once felt out of reach because of circumstances that made it hard to stay on track. But on June 9, that goal became a reality. Students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia campuses (North, South, and Central), Achieve Academy of Philadelphia, Achieve Academy of Philadelphia East Campus, and Philadelphia Continuation Academy gathered at the Temple Performing Arts Center for their graduation ceremony. Dr. Shakeera Warthen-Canty, assistant superintendent for the School District of [...]

Celebrating a Graduation Once Thought Out of Reach2025-06-12T16:33:35-04:00

Student Spotlight: Samirah Watkins of Excel Academy South, Class of 2025

Samirah Watkins, a standout student at Excel Academy South, has shown how determination and heart can lead to incredible success. Heading to Widener University this fall, her story is a testament to her drive and highlights the importance of support from the school community. Watkins transferred to Excel Academy South in 2023 looking for a fresh start. “I came in thinking I couldn’t do it,” she said. “But Excel welcomed me with open arms. Everyone wanted to help me succeed.” In less than two years, Watkins brought her GPA to a 4.0, served as treasurer of the student government, served [...]

Student Spotlight: Samirah Watkins of Excel Academy South, Class of 20252025-06-12T16:11:12-04:00

May Day Event 2025

Staff and students from the Excel, Achieve, and Continuation Academies in Philadelphia wrapped up the school year with the annual May Day celebration on May 23. Held at the picturesque Lemon Hill Picnic Area in Fairmount Park, the event gave students a well-deserved break from the classroom and a chance to enjoy a day in the fresh air. Available activities included baseball, basketball, a zip line, climbing wall, and bounce houses. New this year was a 360 photo booth that gave students a way to capture memories from the day. A DJ kept the energy high and students were also [...]

May Day Event 20252025-06-03T17:47:44-04:00

Operation Snowball Brings Holiday Joy to Excel Academies

The holiday season is a time for joy, community, and giving back. In December, the Excel Academies in Philadelphia, took part in Operation Snowball, a city-wide initiative, led by the Philadelphia Eagles in collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia, that aims to spread holiday cheer by providing every student in the district with a thoughtful holiday gift. Gifts That Warmed Hearts Operation Snowball visited all Excel Academy campuses to deliver gifts and celebrate the festive time of year with both students and staff. Gifts from the district included Wawa gift cards, hats, and hot chocolate coupons. [...]

Operation Snowball Brings Holiday Joy to Excel Academies2025-01-16T11:05:20-05:00

Excel Academies of Philadelphia Give Thanks

Students Give Thanks Thanksgiving and the holiday season offer a time to reflect, give back, and foster joy values embraced at Excel Academies in Philadelphia during recent celebrations and initiatives. From baking fun to meaningful community service, the schools offered opportunities for highlighting gratitude, generosity, and togetherness. Excel Academy South began the festivities with a pie-baking competition, showcasing staff’s culinary talents. Ten entries vied for the top spot, with Site Coordinator Jessica McCreary’s strawberries and cream pie earning first place. Steven Griffin, a team leader from Excel Academy Central, served as the judge. The event celebrated Thanksgiving traditions and strengthened [...]

Excel Academies of Philadelphia Give Thanks2024-12-23T15:38:21-05:00

Excel Academies Prom 2024

On Friday, May 10, at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast, over 140 students from Excel Academies in Philadelphia graced the red carpet at the 2024 prom. It was a great night filled with formal attire and fun for all! Keep Reading

Excel Academies Prom 20242024-06-13T13:23:05-04:00

Talk, not fists: Philadelphia students with discipline issues learn how to defuse conflict

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).

Talk, not fists: Philadelphia students with discipline issues learn how to defuse conflict2023-11-29T15:17:01-05:00

School of the Week: Excel Academy South helps students reach greatness

Excel Academy South is an accelerated school program that provides students who are behind on credits obtain their high school diploma. Located at 4641 Roosevelt Boulevard, Excel provides a high school education at an accelerated pace with students earning their diploma in two and half years, depending on the number of high school credits students bring with and accumulate each term. “We have a great partnership with the Philadelphia School District, where we take students that are overage and under-credited and try to accelerate them to get their regular high school diploma as quickly as possible,” said the executive director [...]

School of the Week: Excel Academy South helps students reach greatness2023-05-17T16:09:44-04:00

SAT School Day at Excel Academies North and South

On October 12, almost 300 high school students from both Excel Academy North and Excel Academy South in Philadelphia sat for the SAT and PSAT exams. The College Board, the organization that administers the exams, launched SAT School Day as a way to help students who may have difficulty making a standard SAT/PSAT test time and location. Having the option to take the SAT and PSAT – standardized tests that are intended to assess students' readiness for college – during the school day helps eliminate any worries or barriers a student may have with getting to a testing location [...]

SAT School Day at Excel Academies North and South2022-11-22T13:25:23-05:00

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