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Seashore Leadership Academy

Fostering a therapeutic classroom environment that supports the emotional, social, and academic needs of each student, Seashore Leadership Academy serves middle and high school students in the Atlantic City area. We believe that every student has the desire to succeed—both in school and in their communities—and it’s our mission to provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to do so.

School Info

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Grades
6-12

District
Atlantic City Public Schools

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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By helping students overcome significant trauma they often have experienced, Seashore Leadership Academy supports behavioral, social, and academic development in a nurturing, respectful, and safe environment. Our private day school helps middle and high school students improve attendance rates, gain access to community resources, and show demonstrated academic growth.

Through smaller classroom sizes and individualized support, we develop meaningful relationships with each student to help them feel empowered to develop the skills and strategies they need to succeed academically and socially.

Seashore Leadership Academy provides our students with:

  • Individualized instruction and progress monitoring
  • Academic rigor through data-driven instruction
  • Smaller classroom environments
  • Life skills development
  • Opportunities to foster social skills

By recognizing the unique value and talent of each student, building strong relationships with them, and celebrating their daily successes, we help students who haven’t been able to participate in a regular classroom setting thrive at school, at home, and in their communities.

Related services offered at this school include counseling services, sports and recreation, student government, and workforce development programs tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Seashore Leadership Academy 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
  • 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.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

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.

  • Ray is a native of Chester, Pennsylvania, and attended Alvernia University on a basketball scholarship, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications. He then embarked on a journey to become a professional basketball player and, as part of the Portuguese basketball league, played in countries around the world.

    In 2008, Ray began his career in education, and has held various positions, including behavior coach and social worker, in four states. He earned his master’s degree in education counseling from Wilmington University in 2010. Ray is now the executive director at Seashore Leadership Academy, a school that serves at-risk youth.

    Ray dedicates his time to coaching, mentoring, and helping young athletes attend college. He was inducted into the Alvernia University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Chester High Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Ray prides himself on helping inner city youth who share the same struggles he experienced growing up.

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

Events & Stories

  • A Science Lesson Using Slime

    ACI High School creating slime after a science lesson on liquid turning into solid with ingredients. Photographed: Ms. Amber Hawthorne…
    December 27, 2022
  • 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
  • A Veteran in the Classroom

    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).
    November 17, 2023

Resources

  • 20 Days of Fun and Learning ESY 2025

    Highlights from Our Extended School Year (ESY) The Extended School Year (ESY) was packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable fun!…
  • 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…
  • Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco

    Celebrating an Incredible Educator: Mary Rico Named 2025 Teacher of the Year We’re thrilled to congratulate Mary Rico, an extraordinary…

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 Seashore Leadership Academy