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Excel Academy of Englewood

Experience high school differently. With a small, supportive setting, Excel Academy of Englewood 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 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grades
9-12

District
Chicago Public Schools

Transit Routes
  • 69th Street Route
  • Ashland-63rd

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2026-2027 school year calendar.
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  • Student Handbook

    This handbook outlines expectations and support to help you graduate.
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  • Public Act 103-0641

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  • CDC

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  • Student and Family Resources

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  • Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

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  • Financial Scorecard

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Designed to help students ages 15-21 who are behind in credits, Excel Academy of Englewood 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 student government, social work services, culinary program, sports and recreation, and workforce development programs tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Excel Academy of Englewood 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Bryson devoted over 15 years to serving youth and communities through education and advocacy. Her earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in black studies from Northern Illinois University, and will be obtaining his master’s in educational leadership.

    He has been a cornerstone at Excel Academy of Englewood since 2013, holding numerous positions and leadership roles including paraprofessional, behavior specialist, dean, director of operations, and currently, school director. Bryson’s professional background also includes significant experience working in therapeutic day school, youth residential, and alternative education environments for at-risk youth.

    Bryson’s commitment to community empowerment extends beyond the classroom. He actively worked with organizations including the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) and New Era, where he contributed initiatives that foster neighborhood pride, development, and advocacy. Through these partnerships, he strives to uplift his community and champion positive change.

  • Brandon Love believes learning is a continuous process built through confidence, practice, and steady growth.

    He uses scaffolding to help students build on prior knowledge and see each step of learning as preparation for the next. In his band classes, Brandon models this same mindset by continuing to grow as a musician so he can better support and challenge his students.

    Through encouragement, structure, and a commitment to lifelong learning, he helps students believe in their ability to keep improving.

  • Raeshaun-Overall-Headshot-SOY

    Raeshaun Overall brings more than 15 years of experience supporting children across early childhood and school-based settings.

    As a paraprofessional, she supports diverse learners through individualized guidance, positive reinforcement, and instructional scaffolding.

    Her background in preschool education, curriculum development, and school leadership reflects her commitment to creating creative, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

    Raeshaun is dedicated to helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and grow academically and personally.

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 Excel Academy! The staff is great to work with concerning your child’s needs. I love the fact they set the children up for not just their high school diploma but they also offer many certifications for jobs and they have great mentors.

    Christina W.

Events & Stories

  • 2026 CPS Game Changer honorees recognized on stage during the Chicago Public Schools leadership event.

    Excel Academies Principal Earns 2026 CPS Game Changer Honor

    Chicago Excel Academies is celebrating Principal Elizabeth Landig, who earned the 2026 CPS Game Changer Honor for her student centered leadership, academic progress and commitment to helping students succeed.
    August 10, 2026
  • Valedictorian Zachary McCraney speaks with CBS Chicago during a graduation feature highlighting student success at Excel Academies.

    CBS Chicago Highlights Excel Academies Graduates Who Overcame the Odds

    Excel Academies Featured by CBS Chicago for Class of 2026 Success Excel Academies of Chicago was recently featured by CBS…
    June 8, 2026
  • Students and volunteers participating in an Earth Day community cleanup in Chicago

    Earth Day Community Cleanup in Chicago | Excel Academies

    Students Lead the Way in Community Impact Dozens of Excel Academies of Chicago students, staff, volunteers, and community partners came…
    May 4, 2026

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.

  • Excel Academy has NO tuition or enrollment fees.

  • Students can earn up to 5 credits per semester and 10 credits per year, allowing them to graduate in 2.5 years or less, depending on their individual progress.

  • Excel Academy serves students ages 15 to 21.

  • Excel Academy offers post-secondary preparation services, including guidance for college, career, military, and other programs, to help students plan their futures.

  • Excel Academy offers a supportive learning environment designed to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Classrooms are structured to provide individualized attention and foster meaningful student-teacher relationships.

  • Class sizes are kept small to ensure personalized instruction. Teachers focus on fostering collaboration and engagement, adapting lessons to accommodate various learning styles and needs.

Contact Excel Academy of Englewood