Connect Academy High School | For Parents

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Connect Academy High School is a supportive, structured high school program designed to help special education students get or stay on track toward graduation while building the skills needed for life after high school.

The program combines academic instruction with future planning, helping students move toward graduation, employment, or post-secondary opportunities.

Students are supported in a smaller, relationship-based environment where expectations are clear and support is consistent.

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WHO WE SUPPORT

Connect Academy High School supports students who benefit from a more structured and personalized high school experience.

This may include students who:

Need additional support to stay on track for graduation
Have struggled in a traditional high school setting
Benefit from smaller class sizes and individualized attention
Need support with motivation, organization, or engagement
Are working toward credit completion or recovery

We focus on helping students make meaningful progress toward graduation and future goals

WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL EXPERIENCE

At Connect Academy High School, students receive both academic and future-focused support.

Your child will have:

Instruction aligned with graduation requirements
Credit recovery and credit-earning opportunities
Individualized support and goal setting
Staff who build strong, consistent relationships
Support in developing independence and responsibility
College and career readiness planning
Opportunities for job exploration and employment readiness
A structured environment designed to support success

Students are supported in making academic progress and determining future direction.

A TYPICAL DAY AT CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

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 follow a structured high school schedule with a departmentalized model of classes that combine online instruction through Edgenuity with direct instruction, as well as P.E. and Health, community breakfast/lunch, and social-emotional skill-building.

THE CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL APPROACH

Our approach is focused on accountability, support, and future readiness.

Clear expectations and consistent routines

Building independence and responsibility

Supporting students in setting and reaching goals

Providing encouragement alongside accountability

Helping students connect current work to future outcomes

Creating a structured environment where students can succeed

Students are supported in taking ownership of their learning and their future.

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL OUTCOMES & NEXT STEPS

Connect Academy High School is designed to help students successfully transition into their next phase.

Outcomes may include:

Earning credits toward graduation
Completing diploma requirements
Returning to the home high school
Transitioning to employment or post-secondary options
Developing a clear post-high school plan

We work closely with families and districts to support each student’s next step.

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FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AT CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

Families play an important role in supporting student success.

You can expect:

Regular communication about progress and credits
Collaboration on goals and planning
A consistent point of contact
Support in planning for post-high school transitions

Meet the CAHS Staff

We work together to help students stay on track and move forward.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

Yes. Students continue earning credits aligned with their home school district’s graduation requirements.

Students remain enrolled in their home district and earn credits toward their diploma.

Students may participate in credit recovery opportunities alongside current coursework.

Students receive guidance in college and career planning, including job readiness skills.

Yes, when appropriate, we support transitions back to the home school.

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.

Contact CAHS

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Connect Academy High School Principal is Jan Donovan

Our team includes licensed educators and support staff focused on helping students succeed academically and prepare for life after high school.

Staff prioritize strong relationships, consistency, and student growth

Meet the entire staff

JAN DONOVAN, Ph.D
Site Administrator, Connect Academy High School

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.

VISIT OR LEARN MORE

We welcome the opportunity to connect with you and answer any questions.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If your child is being considered for Connect Academy High School, we are here to support you in understanding the program and next steps

JAN DONOVAN, Ph.D
Site Administrator, Connect Academy High School
P: 630-822-8085 Ext. 3
E: [email protected]

CONNECT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 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.

Student icon representing ages served at Connect Academy.

GRADES

9th - 12th

ADDRESS

105 W. Army Trail Blvd.
Addison, IL 60101

PHONE

(630) 822-8085 Ext. 3

EMAIL

Jan Donovan, Pd.D
Site Administrator