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CONNECT ACADEMY OVERVIEW

Connect Academy Carol Stream is a supportive school program designed to help special education students succeed in a structured, relationship-based environment. The program provides a balance of academic instruction, behavioral support, social- emotional learning, and skill-building to help students develop consistency, confidence, and positive routines.
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Instruction is aligned with each student’s home school district and Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensuring students continue making academic progress while receiving the additional support they need.

Our focus is simple: helping students stabilize, grow, and move forward successfully.

WHO WE SUPPORT

Connect Academy Carol Stream supports students who benefit from increased structure, consistency, and individualized support within their school day.
This may include students who:
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  • Would benefit from smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction
  • Need additional support with behavior, engagement, or routines
  • Are experiencing challenges in a traditional school setting
  • Benefit from smaller class sizes and increased adult support
  • Need a setting focused on rebuilding confidence and academic momentum
  • Have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, and/or have social-emotional deficits that would benefit from a more structured and predictable learning environment
We focus on helping students move forward—building on strengths while developing the skills needed for success.

WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL EXPERIENCE

At Connect Academy Carol Stream, students experience a balance of academics, structure, and support.
Your child will have:
  • Small class sizes with individualized attention
  • Academic instruction aligned with their home district
  • Clear routines and consistent expectations
  • Support in developing skills such as self-regulation, coping skills, self-advocacy 
  • Trauma-informed staff who build strong, supportive relationships with students
  • Opportunities to practice problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • A structured environment that promotes focus and success

Students are supported daily in building both academic skills and personal responsibility.

A TYPICAL DAY AT CONNECT ACADEMY

PROGRAM HOURS

School Hours: 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Program Hours: 
  • M, T, Th, Fr: 9:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.
  • W: 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.
Program hours are aligned with a full school day schedule.
A typical day includes:

  • Morning check-in and goal setting
  • Core academic instruction
  • Small group or individualized support
  • Skill-building in areas such as communication, behavior, social skills, self-advocacy, regulation, coping skills, etc. 
  • Structured breaks and transitions
  • Reflection and end-of-day planning
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Each day is designed to provide consistency, structure, and opportunities for success.​

THE CONNECT ACADEMY APPROACH

Our approach is centered on growth, skill-building, and relationships. We focus on:
Clear expectations that are explicitly taught and consistently reinforced
Skill-building rather than punishment
Relationship-based support between students and staff
Accountability paired with encouragement
Helping students understand and improve their choices
Creating a predictable environment where students can succeed
We work with students to build the habits and skills they need for long-term success.

CONNECT ACADEMY OUTCOMES & NEXT STEPS

Connect Academy Carol Stream is designed to help students build the skills needed to move forward successfully.
We work closely with families and home school districts to plan next steps, which may include:
  • Transition back to the home school
  • Continued academic progress toward grade-level expectations
  • Increased independence and self-management
  • Improved emotional and behavioral regulation
  • Gradual transition into less restrictive environments

Each student’s path is individualized based on their growth and readiness.

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AT CONNECT ACADEMY

We believe families are an essential part of a student’s success.
At Connect Academy, families can expect:
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  • Regular communication and updates
  • A consistent point of contact
  • Collaboration on student goals and progress
  • A team-based approach focused on growth
We value open communication and partnership with families.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Check out some of the most common questions we receive from Connect Academy parents!

Yes. Instruction is aligned with your child’s home school district and IEP to support continued academic progress.

Length of time varies based on individual needs and progress.

For many students, returning to their home school is a goal. We support that transition when appropriate.

We focus on teaching skills, setting clear expectations, and providing consistent support.

Transportation is coordinated through the home school district.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We have answers! We are more than happy to connect with parents on a variety of topics. Get in touch to learn more. 

CONNECT ACADEMY LEADERSHIP
Connect Academy Carol Stream's Principal is Mollie Marshall

Our team includes licensed teachers and support staff who are experienced in working with students needing additional structure and support.
Staff focus on building strong relationships and creating a consistent, supportive environment for learning.

MOLLIE MARSHALL
Site Administrator, Connect Academy Carol Stream

Mollie Marshall is the Site Administrator for Connect Academy. She spent eight years as a self-contained special education teacher in Frankfort, Illinois before joining Connect Academy in 2022, where she played a key role in its establishment as the K-2 teacher. Mollie previously served as an assistant principal and she now leads Connect Academy as the Site Administrator. Mollie graduated from Illinois State University with an undergraduate degree in special education and holds two master's degrees from the American College of Education, one in special education and the other in educational leadership. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments, Mollie is dedicated to ensuring that every student at Connect Academy receives the highest quality education and support. Her passion for education and unwavering dedication to her students and staff inspire a nurturing and empowering atmosphere where everyone can thrive.  ​

VISIT OR LEARN MORE

We welcome the opportunity to connect with you and answer any questions.
CONTACT INFORMATION:​
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​If your child is being considered for Connect Academy, we are here to help you understand the program and feel confident in the next step. Please fill out the form or contact Mollie for more information!
MOLLIE MARSHALL
Site Administrator, Connect Academy Carol Stream
P: ​630-822-8085 Ext. 1
E: [email protected]

CONNECT ACADEMY INFORMATION

​Office Hours*:
8:00am - 4:00pm | Monday through Friday
*Administrative hours of operation
Program Hours**:
  • M, T, Th, Fr: 9:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.
  • W: 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.
**Program hours are aligned with a full school day schedule.

GRADES

Pre-K - 8th

ADDRESS

505 E. North Ave., Unit 400
​Carol Stream, IL 60188

PHONE

(630) 822-8085 Ext. 1

EMAIL

Mollie Marshall
Site Administrator

LOCATION AND CONTACT

The 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​

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