Albria “AJ” Returns to Excel Middle Years
A Full-Circle Moment at Excel Middle Years Academy
Excel Middle Years Academy recently welcomed Albria “AJ” Jones as its newest behavioral specialist. For AJ, the role marks a full-circle moment. She once sat in the same classrooms as her students.
AJ attended Camelot Academy’s Boone campus in North Philadelphia (now Achieve Academy of Philadelphia) from 2015 to 2018, starting as a ninth grader. AJ said she faced significant challenges growing up and credited the school with helping her stay on track.
The Mentors Who Helped Shape AJ’s Path
What AJ remembers most from her time as a student is the impact of adults who believed in her. She pointed to Ms. Jaleeca Jacobs, her ninth-grade math teacher and now principal of Excel Middle Years Academy, and Mr. Marlon, operations coordinator, as two mentors who shaped her growth. Their guidance taught her independence, leadership, and the importance of making thoughtful choices.
That support extended beyond the classroom. While still a student, AJ began exploring cosmetology and opened a small makeup business. Teachers and staff supported her efforts, showing her that educators at Excel invest in students as people, not just learners.
AJ’s Path After Graduation
After graduating, AJ pursued multiple pathways. She earned a cosmetology license, completed CNA and medical assistant programs, and later enrolled at a community college in Philadelphia. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her studies, she shifted her focus to helping others. She worked as a one-on-one peer professional, became a registered behavior technician, supported students with autism and behavioral needs, and continued growing her beauty business.
Despite gaining experience in several fields, AJ said she always wanted to return to the school that helped shape her.
“When the opportunity opened, I knew it was meant for me,” AJ said.
Using Lived Experience to Support Students Today
“These types of schools are different,” AJ said. “They teach structure, independence and real-world skills. A lot of students don’t realize that many of the adults here have been in their shoes.”
As a behavioral specialist, AJ uses her lived experience to connect quickly with students. Many students know she once attended an Excel school, and they often ask about her path after graduation. AJ speaks openly with them about trade school, college, and careers, emphasizing that there is no single path to success and that it is never too late to continue learning.
AJ brings the lessons she learned as a student into her work each day, including independence, leadership, empathy, emotional regulation, and thinking before reacting. She believes structure prepares students for life beyond school.
AJ also serves as a mentor, especially to female students. She once participated in the school’s girls group as a student, spoke to the group during her senior year, and completed her senior project on the program. She now supports the group as staff, offering guidance, consistency, and a listening ear.
In her role, AJ works closely with teachers and families to reinforce a shared message of support. She helps students manage difficult moments, refocus, and develop plans for success.
School leaders said AJ’s return has had a meaningful impact on the community.
“When we hire someone like AJ, it’s powerful because she understands our model and our students,” said Sadiqa Lucas, director at Excel Middle Years Academy. “She speaks the same language our students hear every day – the norms, the structure, the expectations – and she brings lived experience. She is not just telling students the program works; she is showing them.”
Looking ahead, AJ plans to return to college with the goal of becoming a teacher, ideally at Excel. She also hopes to give back in tangible ways, including supporting eighth-grade graduation celebrations by helping students with haircuts, makeup and outfits.
“I am proof that the program works,” AJ said. “I came a long way.”
