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 Chicago for the remarkable achievements of our Class of 2026 graduates. This year, 191 students graduated from Excel Academies, demonstrating the resilience, determination, and potential that define our school communities.

One of the graduates featured in the story was Zachary McCraney, valedictorian of Excel Academy of Englewood, who returned to school after being out of the classroom for nearly two years. With the support of dedicated staff and mentors, Zachary earned his diploma and plans to attend Illinois State University to study cybersecurity.

The CBS story highlights SESI’s 2026 national Staff of the Year behavioral specialist, Raynard Gillespie. Gillespie is an Excel Academy of Englewood alumnus who now helps students navigate challenges like those he once faced himself. His story reflects the lasting impact of providing students with a supportive environment, meaningful relationships, and a pathway to success.

At Excel Academies, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to rewrite their story. Our schools provide personalized support, accelerated pathways, and a caring community that empowers students to stay on track toward graduation and future success.

How Excel Academies are making an Impact in Chicago

• 191 graduates earned their high school diplomas this year
• 2,700 graduates since Excel Academies opened in Chicago in 2012
• 4 Chicago campuses provide tuition-free accelerated high school programs

• Students ages 15–21 can enroll and receive academic and emotional support
• Up to 10 credits per year can be earned through our accelerated learning model
• Graduate in as little as 2.5 years through small school environments and staff support

How Excel Academies Graduates Are Creating Pathways to Success

Together, stories highlighted by CBS Chicago reflect what happens when students are given a second chance, a supportive community, and a clear pathway forward. Every day, Excel Academies helps young people reconnect with their education, recover credits, build confidence, and prepare for college, career, and life after graduation.

For this reason, we are incredibly proud of every member of the Class of 2026 and grateful to CBS Chicago for sharing their inspiring stories with the broader community.

Watch the CBS Chicago Story

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/nearly-200-students-overcome-the-odds-to-graduate-excel-academies-high-schools

Learn More

Interested in learning how Excel Academies helps students get back on track and earn their diplomas? Explore our tuition-free accelerated high school programs and enrollment opportunities across Chicago.