CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

​Office Hours*:

8:00am-4:00pm | Monday through Friday
*Administrative hours of operation

Program Hours**:

9:00am-2:30pm |Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 
​9:00am-2:00pm | Wednesday
**Opening Fall 2025​

GRADES

​Connect Academy High School serves grades 9th through 12th (ages 14-21). 

ADDRESS

105 W. Army Trail Blvd.
Addison, IL 60101

PHONE

(630) 822-8085 Ext. 3

EMAIL

Jan Donovan, Ph.D
Site Administrator

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

We’re excited to announce the launch of Connect Academy High School, opening in the Fall of 2025. This program will be located at 105 W. Army Trail Boulevard in Addison, Illinois. Our High School day program will serve students in grades 9th – 12th (ages 14 – 21) with emotional disabilities, high-functioning autism, other health impairments, and specific learning disabilities. Connect Academy High School will provide a supportive, structured environment focused on academic achievement, emotional growth, and real-world readiness. Connect Academy High School will have a strong emphasis on community-based learning opportunities that help students develop real-world skills for life after graduation.
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We are now accepting program applications for new students. Click below to learn more about our referral and enrollment processes!

Connect Academy High School Enrollment

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Connect Academy High School offers a structured, therapeutic learning environment designed to support academic success, emotional growth, and independence in young adults.
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Key features include:

• Academically rigorous curriculum
• Community-based learning opportunities and transition planning
• Social-emotional learning and life skills instruction
• Therapeutic supports
• Small class sizes (maximum 10 students) with a maximum 5:1 student-to-staff ratio in every classroom
• A clear focus on reintegrating students into their home districts when appropriate​

High School OVerview

NOW ACCEPTING REFERRALS
Connect Academy High School is currently accepting referral applications for new students from partner school districts. Checkout our Referrals Page to learn more about the process and refer a student to Connect Academy's High School Program. 

Our referral process includes:

• Referral application from home district
• Review
• Program placement (if accepted) 
• Ongoing Support 

​Referrals are accepted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Early applications are encouraged to secure placement for the Fall 2025 school year.

Refer a Student

Besides the expected academic courses, the skills that our students will need to be successful in the adult world are incorporated into all we do at Connect Academy High School.  I tell all students in our initial meeting that they will learn how to be respectful (how to get along) towards others they don't like.  They will also learn how to follow procedures (and ask for help if they are unsure of what to do) because every company has its own way of doing things.  The ability to get and keep a job (independence and self-support) won't happen without respect for others and knowing how to do things the way the boss wants them done!  
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- Jan D., Site Administrator

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

At Connect Academy High School, our growing team is made up of compassionate, highly trained professionals who are dedicated to empowering students with special needs. We are committed to creating a structured, supportive environment where each student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As we continue to build our staff, we remain focused on individualized education, therapeutic support, and strong collaboration with families and districts to help every student achieve their fullest potential. Connect Academy High School is led by Site Administrator, Jan Donovan.

JAN DONOVAN, Ph.D
Site Administrator 

Jan Donovan is the Site Administrator for Connect Academy High School. With over 27 years of experience in special education and alternative schools, Jan brings a deep understanding of how to support students with significant behavioral and emotional needs. Before joining Connect Academy, he served as principal of two therapeutic high schools and spent six years consulting in public schools across urban, suburban, and rural districts. His leadership is grounded in experience and a strong belief in fostering student independence and success.

Jan earned his Ph.D. in Educational Studies and holds his administrative certification. He is known for building strong, collaborative school communities where staff work together seamlessly to support students. Jan’s approach includes frequent classroom engagement, team-based decision-making, and proactive family communication. At Connect Academy High School, he is leading efforts to establish a supportive and structured environment where students are empowered to see beyond their disabilities and strive for independence. His greatest reward comes from former students who return to share how his team helped them overcome challenges and find success.

Meet the entire staff

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR

Stay updated with the latest events and important dates at Connect Academy High School by regularly checking our calendar. Our comprehensive calendar includes academic schedules, special events, and important announcements to keep you informed and engaged.

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