These Philly high school students almost didn’t earn diplomas. Here’s how they made it.

Quisean Suter-Robinson's graduation wasn't the one he initially dreamed of, but that's OK. “It feels better because I didn’t fold under pressure. The things along the way built my character," he said. Graduates including Kaiyon Jaynes (front) listen to instructions from administrators prior to the 2022-2023 mid-year high school commencement ceremony at the School of the Future in Phila., Pa. on Wed., Feb. 08, 2023. For Khalia Smith, graduation didn’t take place on a bright spring day after four years of high school. Instead, she collected her diploma on a cold February night while her family — including [...]

These Philly high school students almost didn’t earn diplomas. Here’s how they made it.2023-02-16T16:03:22-05:00

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A special ceremony on Friday honored seven high school students from the Excel Academy of Englewood. They graduated from the emergency medical responders training program. The 56-hour course is taught by EMS instructors and upon graduation, students have a guaranteed job with Superior Ambulance. This marks the first time high school students were offered enrollment into the EMR program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9-k004PHqc

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program2023-01-24T10:06:37-05:00

Specialized Education Services, Inc. Names Dawn Thomas President

Experienced operational leader will help guide the organization’s continued commitment to ensuring students with the greatest need receive a quality education PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced the hiring of Dawn Thomas as president. Thomas will lead the growth and development of SESI’s special education and alternative education programs, as well as identify, attract and cultivate talent. “Dawn Thomas brings an impressive set [...]

Specialized Education Services, Inc. Names Dawn Thomas President2022-11-08T08:48:23-05:00

Open house held at High Road School of Lima

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A new building is going to change more than just where students come to learn. High Road School of Lima welcomed the public to their new location at 71 Town Square in downtown Lima. They provide structured education to students with a variety of learning needs, such as autism, emotional disorders, and more. Previously, the school was divided into three separate school buildings, but this new space brings all of their students and staff under one roof. The new school has bigger classrooms, specialized rooms to support the needs of students, and opens the door for learning [...]

Open house held at High Road School of Lima2022-10-18T13:13:38-04:00

I’m a teacher, but I was also “that student”

A teacher’s background – as someone who struggled in school – deepens her connection with alternative education students By KARYN L. DRISCOLL, English 4 Teacher, Excel Academy South | September 5, 2022 - This fall, I will return to the classroom for my second year teaching English at Philadelphia’s Excel Academy South, an accelerated high school experience for students seeking a smaller, more personal setting, intensely focused on elevating social skills, emotional wellness, and academic success. My colleagues and I are committed to helping students succeed by developing meaningful relationships with each of them, therefore understanding their individual needs, challenges, and strengths. When students feel safe and valued, they become empowered to take charge of [...]

I’m a teacher, but I was also “that student”2022-09-07T13:12:02-04:00

Teacher Erin Juarez honored for ‘strong work ethic’

Buckeye special education teacher Erin Juarez was recognized by a national organization as the Southwest region’s teacher of the year. Philadelphia-based Special Education Services Inc. bestowed that honor upon her for her work during the 2021-22 school year. Juarez, who has taught kindergarten through fourth grade special education for four years at Sierra School of Liberty, was nominated for the award by her supervisor for her strong work ethic. She was emotional when she learned that her hard work and commitment to improving her students’ lives had been recognized and validated by SESI. "I’ve gone above and beyond (in my [...]

Teacher Erin Juarez honored for ‘strong work ethic’2022-06-28T14:14:44-04:00

Fitzpatrick Named Specialized Teacher of the Year

Jill Fitzpatrick, a lead special education teacher at High Road School in Caroline County (303 Sharp Road, Denton), was recently named a regional winner in Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) Teacher of the Year Program.“Teaching is my profession, but moreover it is my calling. There are always setbacks and frustrations, but overcoming them is part of the enjoyment of teaching. I have the philosophy that there are no hopeless cases. The more challenging the behavioral and academic hurdles, the higher the rewards when that students succeed,” says Fitzpatrick.Teacher of the Year honors outstanding, innovative educators who lead by example with an [...]

Fitzpatrick Named Specialized Teacher of the Year2022-06-28T14:12:39-04:00

‘An Incredible Honor’: Hartford Teacher Wins National Award

A Connecticut high school teacher is being recognized for her “outstanding and innovative” work in the classroom. High Road School of Hartford teacher Rachael Chatel was named as the first Teacher of the Year by Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI). The private school works with special education students ages 15 to 21 facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that can impede success in a traditional classroom setting. Nationwide, SESI works with more than 7,000 students in over 600 school districts. Chatel won the top honor for going “above and beyond for her students and working to engage families in meaningful [...]

‘An Incredible Honor’: Hartford Teacher Wins National Award2022-06-15T14:50:45-04:00

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