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STRUCTURED SUPPORT THAT HELPS STUDENTS CHANGE COURSE
ReConnect Academy partners with school districts to provide a structured, restorative placement option for general education students in grades 9–12 who benefit from a more supportive and relationship-based environment.
Our program helps students rebuild confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, remain engaged academically, and prepare for successful next steps — both in school and beyond. Built on the proven philosophy of The Connect Academy, ReConnect combines academic continuity, restorative practices, therapeutic support, and future-focused planning to help students move forward with greater stability, accountability, and purpose. |
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WHY DISTRICTS ARE SEEKING DIFFERENT APPROACHES
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STUDENTS NEED MORE THAN A CHANGE IN PLACEMENT
For some students, long-term success requires more than academic instruction alone. Students experiencing behavioral, disciplinary, emotional, or school engagement challenges often benefit from a structured environment that combines accountability, relationship-based support, restorative practices, and individualized guidance. ReConnect Academy was designed to help students identify barriers, rebuild routines, strengthen interpersonal skills, and continue progressing toward graduation and future goals. This is not simply about placement — it is about helping students regain momentum and create a clearer path forward. |
WHAT MAKES ReCONNECT DIFFERENT
Relationship-Based Programming
Students work with consistent staff who prioritize mentorship, accountability, trust-building, and individualized support. |
Academic Continuity
Instruction remains aligned with district graduation requirements to help students stay engaged in academic progress and continue earning credits toward graduation. |
Restorative & Skill-Building Focus
Students strengthen communication, self-management, decision-making, and interpersonal skills through guided reflection and restorative approaches. |
Structured Environment
Clear expectations, predictable routines, and individualized support help students rebuild consistency, engagement, and confidence. |
Future Planning & Career Readiness
Students participate in future-focused planning that encourages goal-setting, career exploration, community employment connections, and preparation for life beyond high school. |
Collaborative District Partnership
We work closely with district teams to support communication, transition planning, and long-term student success. |
DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS AT A TURNING POINT
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ReConnect Academy serves students in grades 9–12 who may benefit from a more structured, supportive, and individualized educational environment.
The program is designed to support a wide range of student needs and placement considerations, including students experiencing behavioral, disciplinary, academic, attendance, engagement, or school adjustment challenges. ReConnect Academy may serve students placed for restorative or disciplinary reasons, including students participating in lieu of expulsion placements, Alternative Learning Opportunities Programs (ALOP), diagnostic or transitional placements, and students who have struggled to find success in a traditional school setting. As a general education alternative placement option, ReConnect Academy provides individualized support, relationship-based programming, restorative practices, behavioral and academic interventions, and a highly structured environment focused on helping students remain connected to learning and make meaningful progress toward graduation and long-term success. The program is equipped to support students with a variety of learning and communication needs, including multilingual learners and students requiring English language development or language acquisition supports. |
HOW DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP WORKS
FLEXIBLE PARTNERSHIP THROUGH SEAT BLOCK RESERVATION
ReConnect Academy operates through a district seat block model designed to provide immediate placement availability, consistent staffing, and responsive support for districts throughout the school year. By reserving seat capacity in advance, districts are able to access placements quickly as student needs arise while allowing our team to proactively prepare staffing, programming, and individualized supports.
ReConnect Academy operates through a district seat block model designed to provide immediate placement availability, consistent staffing, and responsive support for districts throughout the school year. By reserving seat capacity in advance, districts are able to access placements quickly as student needs arise while allowing our team to proactively prepare staffing, programming, and individualized supports.
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Districts secure placement access through flexible pre-purchased seat block options. This model allows ReConnect Academy to maintain appropriate staffing, therapeutic and educational supports, and program readiness throughout the year. Students may enter the program throughout the school year, including urgent or short-notice placements. ReConnect Academy is designed to support a wide range of student needs, circumstances, and referral reasons as they emerge within the district. Through ongoing collaboration with district partners, our team works to understand anticipated student support needs in advance, allowing us to prepare appropriate academic, behavioral, therapeutic, language, and transition supports prior to student enrollment whenever possible. Our team works closely with districts, students, and families to support onboarding, communication, stabilization, and planning for long-term student success. District teams receive continued communication and collaboration regarding student progress, support implementation, transition readiness, and future planning throughout the placement process. |
OUR APPROACH
STUDENTS ARE NOT DEFINED BY THEIR PAST
At ReConnect Academy, we believe students are capable of growth when they are given the right combination of structure, support, accountability, and opportunity. Our goal is not simply to redirect behavior — it is to help students rebuild momentum, strengthen decision-making skills, and develop a clearer pathway toward future success. Through restorative practices, therapeutic support, academic continuity, and meaningful relationships, students are supported as they work toward positive long-term outcomes.
At ReConnect Academy, we believe students are capable of growth when they are given the right combination of structure, support, accountability, and opportunity. Our goal is not simply to redirect behavior — it is to help students rebuild momentum, strengthen decision-making skills, and develop a clearer pathway toward future success. Through restorative practices, therapeutic support, academic continuity, and meaningful relationships, students are supported as they work toward positive long-term outcomes.
Reconnect is designed to ensure every student has a pathway forward. Through targeted academic instruction and social-emotional development, students gain the tools to make informed choices, build resilience, and pursue college, career, and lifelong success.
- Heather Bruen, President
ReCONNECT ACADEMY LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENCED EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOCUSED ON STUDENT OUTCOMES
ReConnect Academy is led by Heather Bruen, President of The Connect Academy and a longtime educational leader with extensive experience in special education, student support services, school counseling, and district consulting. The ReConnect team is committed to building structured, relationship-based environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to move forward successfully.
ReConnect Academy is led by Heather Bruen, President of The Connect Academy and a longtime educational leader with extensive experience in special education, student support services, school counseling, and district consulting. The ReConnect team is committed to building structured, relationship-based environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to move forward successfully.
HEATHER BRUEN
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EXPLORE A MORE SUPPORTIVE PLACEMENT APPROACH FOR YOUR DISTRICT
Connect with our team to learn more about district partnerships, seat block availability, and how ReConnect Academy helps students rebuild momentum and move forward with confidence.
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ReCONNECT ACADEMY INFORMATION
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Office Hours*:
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GRADES9th - 12th
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ADDRESS505 E. North Ave.
Carol Stream, IL 60188 |
PHONE |
Heather Bruen
President |
