Excel Academy of Roseland is a tuition-free, accelerated high school program in Chicago designed to help students ages 15–21 who have fallen behind in credits get back on track — and cross the graduation stage faster than they ever thought possible. Located at 1257 West 111th Street in the Roseland neighborhood, this school of choice operates within the Chicago Public Schools district and offers a small, supportive environment where every student feels safe, seen, and genuinely supported. Whether a student is two semesters behind or several years off pace, Excel Academy provides a clear, structured pathway to a high school diploma — and beyond.
What Makes Excel Academy of Roseland Different
In a city full of educational options, Excel Academy of Roseland stands out for one core reason: it was built specifically for students who need more than a traditional high school can offer. Large classrooms, impersonal systems, and rigid scheduling can leave credit-deficient students feeling invisible. Excel Academy flips that model entirely.
With a smaller student population and a staff deeply committed to relationship-building, the school gets to know each student as an individual — identifying their unique strengths, challenges, and learning needs. From there, a personalized approach is crafted to meet students where they are and move them forward at an accelerated pace.
The school operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and accepts students in grades 9 through 12. It is accessible via CTA bus route 111, making it reachable for students across the South Side of Chicago.
Accelerated Credit Earning and Fast-Track Graduation
One of the most compelling features of Excel Academy of Roseland is its accelerated credit recovery model. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 5 credits per semester and 10 credits per year — nearly twice the pace of a traditional high school program. This means that with consistent effort and engagement, students can earn their high school diploma in 2.5 years or less.
This approach is especially valuable for students who may have lost credits due to attendance issues, personal challenges, family circumstances, or other barriers that interrupted their education. Rather than being held back by the past, students at Excel Academy are empowered to move forward on their own timeline.
Four Core Learning Pathways
Excel Academy of Roseland structures its programming around four interconnected learning pathways, each designed to address a different dimension of student success.
Academic and Behavioral Support
Instruction at Excel Academy is aligned with industry standards and Chicago Public Schools curriculum requirements. Beyond academics, the school actively fosters prosocial behavior — helping students develop the habits, attitudes, and interpersonal skills that will serve them both inside and outside the classroom. Behavioral support is not punitive; it is developmental and relationship-centered.
Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness
Excel Academy recognizes that graduation is not the end goal — it is a launchpad. Whether a student’s next step is college, vocational training, job certification, or direct workforce entry, the school works to ensure they are prepared. Postsecondary readiness planning is woven into the student experience from day one.
Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement
The school’s dedicated credit recovery program is the engine behind its accelerated graduation model. By offering structured, focused coursework at a faster pace, Excel Academy helps students close grade-level gaps efficiently. Progress is tracked carefully, and students receive the academic support they need to stay on course.
Tailored Programs
No two students arrive at Excel Academy with the same story or the same needs. That is why the school conducts thorough assessments to understand each student’s academic standing, emotional wellbeing, and social development. From those assessments, personalized programs are designed and continuously monitored. Milestones are recognized and celebrated, giving students tangible evidence of their own progress.
Comprehensive Wraparound Services
Excel Academy of Roseland goes beyond classroom instruction. The school offers a range of related services designed to support the whole student, including:
- Counseling services to address mental health and emotional challenges
- Social work services tailored to individual student needs
- Sports and recreation programs to promote physical wellness and teamwork
- Student government to develop leadership and civic engagement skills
- Culinary program offering real-world vocational training and certifications
These services reflect a holistic philosophy: that students cannot learn effectively when their other needs go unmet. By addressing academic, emotional, and social dimensions simultaneously, Excel Academy creates conditions where genuine growth is possible.
Meet the Leadership: Tyree Booker
At the helm of Excel Academy of Roseland is Tyree Booker, a veteran educational leader with decades of experience working with underserved students in urban communities across the country.
Tyree holds a bachelor’s degree in education from West Chester University (2003) and began his career as a high school math teacher at Daniel Boone High School in 2004. His leadership trajectory took him to New Orleans, where he served as director of operations at Booker T. Washington Middle School in 2006. He later earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Gwynedd Mercy University and went on to serve as director of student services at Excel Academy in Philadelphia before becoming executive director at Camelot Academy.
In 2012, Tyree led the expansion of Excel Academy into the Chicago area and has been a driving force behind the program’s growth and impact ever since. His deep commitment to urban student success — combined with his hands-on experience across instruction, counseling, and operations — makes him a uniquely effective leader for a school like Excel Academy of Roseland.
What Families Are Saying
The impact of Excel Academy of Roseland is perhaps best expressed by the families it serves. Parent Christina W. shared:
“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.”
This kind of feedback reflects the school’s dual commitment: helping students earn credentials while also preparing them for meaningful futures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students enroll mid-year?
Yes. Excel Academy maintains a year-round enrollment policy, meaning students can join at any point during the school year without waiting for a new semester to begin.
How do I enroll?
Families can complete the registration form on the SESI Schools website or contact the school directly. Staff are available to guide families through every step of the enrollment process.
Is there a tuition or enrollment fee?
No. Excel Academy of Roseland is completely tuition-free with no enrollment fees of any kind.
How many credits can a student earn?
Students can earn up to 5 credits per semester and 10 credits per year, with the potential to graduate in 2.5 years or less depending on individual progress.
Who is eligible to attend?
Excel Academy serves students ages 15 to 21 who are enrolled in grades 9 through 12.
Conclusion: A Real Path Forward for Chicago Students
For students in Chicago who have fallen behind and feel like the traditional system has left them behind, Excel Academy of Roseland offers something rare: a genuine second chance, delivered with structure, care, and real momentum. The combination of accelerated credit recovery, personalized programming, wraparound support services, and experienced leadership creates an environment where students do not just catch up — they grow into confident, capable young adults ready for whatever comes next.
If your student is between the ages of 15 and 21, is behind in credits, and needs a fresh start in a supportive environment, contact Excel Academy of Roseland today to learn more about enrollment and take the first step toward graduation.