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Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago – West

Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago – West helps students get back on track. Our transitional program serves 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

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School Info

Address

230 North Kolmar Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624

Hours
Mon – Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grades
9-12

Phone
1-773-657-4020

District
Chicago Public Schools

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Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago – West helps students reset and refocus. We support middle and high school students referred by the Chicago Public Schools 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, Safe Achieve Academy provides the tools, structure, and encouragement to help them take the next step forward with confidence.

Related services offered at this school include counseling services, sports and recreation, transition and life skills program, and transportation services tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago – West Apart

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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.

  • 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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  • Joseph brings 29 years of experience in education, including 18 years with Chicago Public Schools as a teacher and administrator. In 2013, he shifted to the alternative educational setting, where he has spent the past 11 years serving as director. Currently, he is the director of Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago South Campus and West Campus, working with students who have been expelled, are facing expulsion, or require safety transfers. His career is driven by a strong dedication to fostering both the academic achievement and personal growth of his students.

  • Vikki is a dynamic educational leader, strategic consultant, and award-winning artist with over two decades of transformative impact in education and the arts. With dual master’s degrees in education and administration, she has led groundbreaking initiatives across schools and districts, securing over $600,000 in grants, and improving student outcomes, school culture, and teacher leadership through data-driven strategies, healing-centered engagement, and arts integration.

    As a principal and senior consultant, she has championed STEAM innovation, social-emotional learning, and college-career readiness—partnering with national leaders and creatives alike. Beyond education, Vikki’s artistic excellence has taken her from Madison Square Garden to international stages. She has opened for Sting, LL Cool J, and Jewel, earned a JEFF nomination and Black Alliance Award for her role as Billie Holiday, and performed at President Clinton’s Inaugural Youth Ball. A true architect of growth and soul, Vikki leads with vision, creativity, and purpose.

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

  • School Events and Stories

    Chicago Excel & SAFE Campuses Shine at Options Awards Ceremony
    Several campuses from Excel and SAFE Academies of Chicago were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2024-2025 Chicago Public Schools…
    May 19, 2025

Resources

  • News
    School Events and Stories

    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…
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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 Safe Achieve Academy of Chicago – West