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Excel Middle Years Academy

Experience middle school differently. With a small, supportive setting, Excel Middle Years Academy offers an accelerated middle school track where your student can develop the skills needed to excel in middle and high school. Our school is focused on academic success, emotional wellness, and social growth.

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School Info

Address

4300 Westminster Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Hours
Mon – Fri 7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Grades
6-8

Phone
1-215-436-0307

District
School District of Philadelphia

Transit Routes
  • Septa

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Designed to help middle school students who aren’t reaching their full potential in larger classroom settings, Excel Middle Years Academy is a school 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 middle and high school.

In a smaller, more personal setting than traditional middle schools can offer, Excel Middle Years Academy is an accelerated program that provides highly individualized support and instruction geared toward each student.

By developing coping and problem-solving skills, Excel Middle Years 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, sports and recreation, student government, transition and life skills program, and workforce development programs tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Excel Middle Years Academy Apart

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Our Learning Pathways

  • Continuation: Re-engagement and Personalized Support

    Continuation: Re-engagement and Personalized Support

    We re-engage students in their educational journey by helping them build the academic and emotional skills in a smaller, more personalized school environment.

  • 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.

  • Successful Transitions

    Successful Transitions

    Whether students are transitioning to a less restrictive environment, progressing toward graduation, or earning a certificate of completion, we help ensure they receive the individualized guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

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.

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  • Sadiqa is a dedicated and accomplished educator and leader, born and raised in South Philadelphia. A proud alumna of Merion Mercy Academy in Lower Merion, she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education and sports medicine from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Driven by a passion for literacy and educational equity, she later earned her master’s degree from Arcadia University, where she also obtained her reading specialist certification.

    Sadiqa began her teaching career in 2002, bringing enthusiasm and a student-centered approach to every classroom. In 2005, she became an English teacher, and her leadership skills and commitment to youth empowerment led to successive promotions—from behavior specialist to program manager, and ultimately to executive director.

    In her role as executive director, Sadiqa has made a lasting impact by opening and overseeing several innovative educational programs. She has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as executive director in her region, and continues to inspire future leaders.

  • Kyshima Chick believes all students can succeed when given equitable access, meaningful relationships, and high expectations.

    She fosters creativity and confidence through student-centered, culturally responsive instruction, including practices like “Math Talks Mondays” that connect learning to real-life applications.

    As both teacher and advocate, she supports academic and social-emotional growth while modeling a lifelong love of learning.

    Dedicated to professional growth, she leads colleagues in differentiated instruction and behavior strategies, contributing to a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

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.

  • Communication with partner districts is excellent.

    The school exemplifies strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. The administration fosters a supportive and dynamic environment, ensuring that students and staff are well-supported. Their communication with partner districts is excellent, promoting effective collaboration and ensuring that every student’s needs are met. The school’s IEP writing process is thorough, with clear and actionable feedback that directly contributes to student growth. The school consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals.

    Andrew M. | Vice Principal

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Events & Stories

  • Staff Spotlight
    School Events and Stories

    Albria “AJ” Returns to Excel Middle Years
    A Full-Circle Moment at Excel Middle Years Academy Excel Middle Years Academy recently welcomed Albria “AJ” Jones as its newest…
    February 13, 2026
  • Staff Spotlight
    School Events and Stories

    Philadelphia SESI Employees Honored with 2025 Lenny Learning Mental Health Leadership Award
    Philadelphia SESI Employees Recognized with the 2025 Mental Health Leadership Award Esteemed Specialized Education Services, Inc. student service coordinators, Aatiqah…
    December 22, 2025
  • School Events and Stories

    Girls Matter Support Group Celebrates Self-Care and Confidence
    Introducing the EMYA Girls Matter Support Group Excel Middle Years Academy recently hosted a special gathering for its newly formed…
    December 8, 2025

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FAQ’s

  • SESI schools serve students with a wide range of special education needs, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. We support students who need a more structured, individualized educational environment to succeed. Our schools are designed to help K–12 students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) reach their academic, social, and emotional goals through personalized instruction, positive behavior supports, and a safe, supportive setting.

  • Parents can expect a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where their child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. SESI schools partner closely with families and school districts to provide customized academic instruction, behavior support, and related services. Regular communication, goal setting, and progress monitoring ensure that families stay informed and engaged in their child’s success.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

Contact Excel Middle Years Academy