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Achieve Academy of Philadelphia – East Campus

Achieve Academy of Philadelphia – East Campus helps students get back on track. Our transitional program serves middle and high school students who’ve faced behavior challenges in a traditional school environment. With a structured, supportive environment focused on academics, behavior, and personal growth, your student can build the skills and confidence needed to return to their home school and thrive.

School Info

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

Grades
6-12

District
Philadelphia School District

Transit Routes
  • Route 57
  • Route 53

  • School Calendar

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

Achieve Academy helps students reset and refocus. We support middle and high school students referred by the School District of Philadelphia due to behavioral challenges. Our structured environment is designed to meet each student where they are, providing consistent support and clear expectations.

Focused on academic growth, pro-social behavior, and emotional wellness our transitional program helps students succeed in school—and in life. We work closely with students and families to set clear goals for attendance, conduct, and coursework.

With the right strategies and supports, students can return to their home schools ready to engage and achieve. Our support continues after their transition back to their home school with consistent check-ins to ensure long-term success.

Whether your student needs short-term support or a fresh start, Achieve Academy provides the tools, structure, and encouragement to help them take the next step forward with confidence.

Discover What Sets Achieve Academy of Philadelphia – East Campus Apart

Our Learning Pathways

  • Transitional: Re-engagement and Rebuilding

    Transitional: Re-engagement and Rebuilding

    Students We Serve

    • Students removed from traditional settings due to behavioral or disciplinary challenges

    • Learners behind in coursework or credits who need targeted academic support

    • Students who show leadership potential but struggle with self-management and school engagement

    • Those preparing to return to a less restrictive setting with improved academic and behavioral readiness

    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.

  • Optimized Learning Environments​

    Optimized Learning Environments​

    Our special education classrooms are strategically designed to allow students to focus on building critical life and communication skills, while our grade-level classrooms help alternative education students make up lost ground and prepare for a transition back to district classrooms, and ultimately 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.

  • With over 25 years of experience in education, David brings deep insight and compassion to his role as director, and in his work with youth often underserved by traditional systems. A proud product of Philadelphia’s public schools, he was born and raised in the city and is a first-generation Asian American whose family immigrated from China.

    David holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from Temple University and a second master’s in special education from Arcadia University. His approach to leadership is grounded in equity, trauma-informed practices, and a belief in the potential of every student. David’s lifelong commitment to education stems from his own experiences and a passion for creating spaces where students who struggle can find support, safety, and success. He is dedicated to fostering resilience and helping students reclaim their narratives.

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.

  • I love the staff and how they work with my child!

    Ebony T.

Events & Stories

  • 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…
    June 3, 2025
  • Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show

    We’re beyond proud of Stanley Alston, Team Lead, and Tiffany Davis, Teacher, for representing Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show! Stanley Alston,…
    February 21, 2025
  • Philly youth program teaches conflict resolution, violence prevention

    The classroom walls inside Achieve Academy East are papered with diagrams, but not of a topic you’d expect.
    November 29, 2023

Resources

  • Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford

    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS

    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month

    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

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 Achieve Academy of Philadelphia – East Campus