Home > Find a School > Excel Academy South

Excel Academy South

Experience high school differently. With a small, supportive setting, Excel Academy South offers an accelerated high school track where your student can earn up to 10 credits per year — tuition-free — and graduate in 2.5 years or less. Available to students ages 15-21, our program is focused on academic success, emotional wellness, and social growth.

School Info

Hours
Mon – Fri 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Grades
9-12

District
School District of Philadelphia

Transit Routes
  • K, J, R, 1, 54, Market & Frankford line, and Broad street line

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
    Download

Designed to help students ages 15-21 who are behind in credits, Excel Academy South is a tuition-free school of choice where students feel safe, seen, and supported.

Relationships are at the heart of our school. We get to know each student to identify their individual needs, challenges, and strengths, and then provide the care, counseling, and support needed to help them succeed in school—and in life.

In a smaller, more personal setting than traditional high schools can provide, Excel Academy is an accelerated program that provides your student with the opportunity to earn up to 5 credits per semester and 10 credits per year, making it possible for them to graduate in 2.5 years or less.

By developing coping and problem-solving skills, Excel Academy students build emotional resilience, gain confidence, and recognize their own agency in realizing their full potential.

Related services offered at this school include counseling services, social work services, student government, transition and life skills program, and transportation services tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Excel Academy South Apart

Our Learning Pathways

  • Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Students We Serve

    • Over-age or under-credited students at risk of dropping out of high school

    • Learners who have experienced chronic absences or academic disruption

    • Students motivated to catch up and graduate but in need of structured academic planning

    • Youth exploring post-secondary options who benefit from individualized guidance and support

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    We offer dedicated programs to help students earn credits at an accelerated pace—almost twice as fast as in traditional classrooms. This proven approach helps close grade-level gaps and keep students on track for graduation.

  • Tailored Programs

    Tailored Programs

    We carefully assess unique student needs and then craft personalized programs that allow each student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Progress is continuously monitored, ensuring key milestones are met and celebrated.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

  • With a career in education spanning 17 years—all of them with SESI—Geoff now serves as the director for Excel Academy South. Over the past 10 years, he’s filled various leadership positions. As a lifelong learner, he holds a master’s degree in educational administration, and has aspirations of obtaining a principal certification.

    Geoff feels that every student deserves an equal and unbiased opportunity, no matter the shortcomings in their life and the obstacles they face. With a belief that there are many more barriers in our young people’s lives today than existed several years ago, Geoff has a passion for helping students utilize strategies they are being taught—the true art of action in motion—to achieve positive outcomes for each student at the end of every school year.

    Outside of work, Geoff is busy with three beautiful children and an amazing wife who keep him involved with sports, clubs, and various family activities.

  • As a former fashion designer, Abi views teaching as a creative process, turning complex ideas into engaging, practical lessons.

    She strives to create a safe and consistent environment where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to learn.

    By connecting lessons to real-world applications and encouraging creativity, She helps students build confidence and see mistakes as opportunities for growth.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • Excel Academy was excellent. I appreciate all the help my daughter received from all the teachers and staff. Y’all are truly amazing and incredible. I definitely recommend this school for anyone who’s thinking about attending.

    Rashima C.

Events & Stories

  • Donuts, Diplomas, and Determination: Celebrating Summer Graduates

    Summer School Becomes a Second Chance for Excel Students For a group of students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia, this…
    July 25, 2025
  • 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…
    June 12, 2025
  • 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…
    June 12, 2025

FAQ’s

  • Yes! We have a year-round enrollment policy, allowing students to join our program at any time during the school year.

  • Simply complete the registration form available on our website, or contact us directly for assistance. We’ll guide you through the process to ensure a smooth transition.

Contact Excel Academy South