 Meet the Site Administrators leading Connect Academy Carol Stream, Connect Academy High School, Pathways Academy, and ReConnect Academy for the 2026–2027 school year. Every student’s educational journey looks different. Some students need a smaller classroom. Some need more individualized academic or behavioral support. Others need a pathway to reconnect with school, recover credits, or prepare for life after graduation. Across The Connect Academy, our goal is to give school districts and families options, specialized educational environments designed around the individual needs of students. For the 2026–2027 school year, our growing network includes Connect Academy Carol Stream, Connect Academy High School, Pathways Academy, and ReConnect Academy. Each program provides a distinct level and type of support while sharing the same commitment to helping students feel understood, supported, connected, and capable of success. We are also excited to introduce the Site Administrators leading each of our programs this year. For district partners, these leaders serve as an important point of connection when discussing student needs, program fit, referrals, and placement opportunities. Connect Academy Carol Stream (Grades Pre-K - 8th) Connect Academy's Carol Stream campus serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th who benefit from a smaller, highly supportive educational environment where academics, social-emotional development, behavioral needs, and individualized student goals can be addressed together. Now entering its second year in Carol Stream, the campus continues to develop its own traditions, identity, and school community while building upon the foundation established during its first year. For Site Administrator Mollie Marshall, that sense of community is central to the year ahead. I’m most excited to see our Carol Stream campus really come into its own in year two. Our building is starting to feel like home, we have a brand new mascot, and we are creating the traditions, identity, and sense of community that make a school feel truly special. I’m excited to build on the foundation we created last year and watch our students and staff make this campus even more their own. Her focus for 2026–2027 is to continue growing the program thoughtfully while preserving the culture being built around students My biggest goal is to grow our Carol Stream campus thoughtfully while strengthening the culture and community we have worked so hard to build. I want our students, families, staff, and district partners to feel what makes our campus special and to know that this is a place where students are understood, supported, connected, and proud to belong. District teams interested in Connect Academy Carol Stream are encouraged to connect directly with Mollie to discuss a student's needs, the program model, and whether Connect Academy Carol Stream may be an appropriate placement.
Connect Academy High School (Grades 9th - 12th) Connect Academy High School provides a supportive high-school environment for students who may benefit from greater individualization, smaller classes, additional structure, and a team focused on helping them progress academically, socially, and personally. The program is designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward through consistent support and attainable goals. That philosophy is reflected in Site Administrator Berny Bassett’s outlook for the new school year: I am most excited about partnering with my team, our families, and home school districts and celebrating all the successes we will have this year. My major goal is to cultivate an environment where integrity, humility, and respect are at the forefront of everything we do to help our students and each other do the best we can. For district teams evaluating options for high-school students who may need a more individualized educational setting, Berny and the Connect Academy High School team are available to discuss student needs and potential program fit.
Pathways Academy (Students with Autism) Pathways Academy provides a specialized educational environment for younger students with autism and related needs who benefit from individualized instruction, structured support, and a program designed around their developmental, academic, communication, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. At Pathways, the focus extends beyond academics. The team works to help students build the foundational skills, confidence, independence, and connections that can support their continued development both inside and outside of the classroom. Site Administrator Peggy A. McDermott leads the Pathways team and works closely with families, staff, and referring school districts to develop an environment centered around each student's individual needs. We are excited to welcome our current and new students along with their families with a big smile to the 2026-27 school year; as our team works with assisting all of them with making small daily steps which lead to big yearly wins! District teams interested in Pathways Academy are encouraged to connect directly with Peggy to discuss a student's needs, the program model, and whether Pathways may be an appropriate placement.
ReCONNECT ACADEMY (Grades 9th - 12th) The 2026–2027 school year marks an exciting milestone with the inaugural year of ReConnect Academy. ReConnect was developed as an alternative high-school environment for students who may benefit from a smaller, more hands-on and relationship-centered approach to education. The program incorporates individualized academic support, social-emotional learning, mentorship, credit recovery opportunities, career exploration, and consistent connections between students, families, and their home school districts. At its core, ReConnect is designed to help students reconnect, not only with academics, but with their school community, their goals, and their plans for what comes next. Site Administrator Dr. James Edwards describes that mission this way: We are super excited for the start of the ‘26’-27’ school year as ReConnect Academy High School begins its inaugural year! Our goals at ReConnect Academy High School are to ensure that all of our students are academically successful, feel a sense of connection and belonging to our school and each other, and are given the skills to prepare themselves for their careers after high school. Districts interested in partnering with ReConnect Academy are encouraged to connect directly with Dr. James to discuss your district's needs, the program model, and whether ReConnect may be an appropriate placement for your students.
Finding the Right Environment for Each Student
No single educational environment is right for every student and that is exactly why having a continuum of options matters. Across Connect Academy Carol Stream, Connect Academy High School, Pathways Academy, and ReConnect Academy, our teams work alongside school districts to understand the needs behind each referral and identify an environment where the student has an opportunity to succeed. For district administrators, special education teams, student services departments, counselors, case managers, and other referral partners, our Site Administrators are available to:
Whether a district is looking for an option for one student today or simply wants to better understand the resources available when a future need arises, we encourage you to connect with our team. To learn more about our programs, discuss a potential student referral, or schedule a conversation with one of our Site Administrators, visit Our District Page or contact the appropriate campus directly using the information above!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
LOCATION AND CONTACTThe Connect Academy | Main Office
630-822-8085 [email protected] 505 E. North Ave., Unit 400, Carol Stream, IL 60188 |
Copyright: © 2024 Copyright The Connect Academy
Connect Academy Privacy Policy Connect Academy Terms and Conditions |
HELPFUL LINKS |