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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
Philadelphia School District

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, speech-language therapy, 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

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
View All SESI Testimonials

Events & Stories

  • Staff Spotlight

    Middle school teacher, Aatiqah Ali, named divisional winner in Teacher of the Year Program
    Aatiqah Ali, a teacher at Excel Middle Years Academy, was recently named a divisional winner in Specialized Education Services, Inc….
    May 27, 2022
  • School Events and Stories

    Excel Middle Years Academy Helps Students get into High School of Their Dreams
    Excel Middle Years Academy Helps Students Get into the High School of Their Dreams Excel Middle Years Academy is an…
    January 28, 2022

Resources

  • Articles

    Excel Middle Years Academy Students Honored at Leadership Gala
    Two Excel Middle Years Academy students were honored for their leadership and personal growth during an upscale gala held by The Lee Monument…
  • Articles

    Student Spotlight: Josh “T. Rex” of Sierra School of Gateway
    Josh, a 12-year-old who proudly goes by the nickname “Josh T. Rex” thanks to his love of dinosaurs, recently completed sixth…
  • Articles

    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…

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