Excel Academy Central in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on DonorsChoose

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They feel more independent and confident knowing they can focus, listen clearly, and participate without interruption or embarrassment.\r\nThis project has been especially impactful for students with IEPs, English language learners, and students who benefit from audio supports. It has also helped students who struggle with attention or sensory overload by creating a calmer, more focused learning environment. Your support has made learning more accessible, equitable, and engaging for every student—thank you for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1757561164342,"projectUrl":"project/plugged-into-knowledge/9659781/","projectTitle":"Plugged Into Knowledge","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McKinnon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8377727"},{"teacherId":8377725,"projectId":9192870,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of room dividers, posters and light covers to our classroom. These resources have completely transformed the learning environment into a brighter, more welcoming, and engaging space. The posters have become daily reference points during our lessons and they've sparked meaningful discussions about growth mindset and classroom values. The light covers, in particular, have made a huge difference by softening the harsh fluorescent lighting, creating a calmer, more focused atmosphere. One special moment that stands out was when we had our first mindfulness session under the new lighting—students were noticeably more relaxed and able to stay present throughout the activity.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first installed, the students were beyond excited. Several of them walked in and immediately said, \"Whoa! It feels so different in here!\" Others took time to explore the posters and even asked questions about the messages and visuals on them. Their reactions made it clear that these changes had a real emotional and psychological impact. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel more comfortable, inspired, and ready to learn. Your support truly means the world to us.","fullyFundedDate":1746456342145,"projectUrl":"project/the-little-things/9192870/","projectTitle":"The Little Things","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mauro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8377725_orig.jpg?crop=3456,3456,x794,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742484463430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8377725"},{"teacherId":9024996,"projectId":8897916,"letterContent":"To each and every one of you: thank you. What you have done for my students will forever resonate with me. As young teenagers, they face unimaginable circumstances and setbacks that most of us as adults will never experience. All the while, they're expected to attend school and remain focused for the day. I do not like this. \r\n\r\nNow, because of you, this will no longer be the case. They will now have a safe, relaxing space where they can take a moment to unwind and breathe. This is not a luxury they have otherwise had. From the bottom of my heart- thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1729803998886,"projectUrl":"project/a-cool-classroom-for-hot-topics-in-histo/8897916/","projectTitle":"A Cool Classroom for Hot Topics in History!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stahl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9024996_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710963016115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9024996"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_131965","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":401,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":78.6,"schoolId":131965,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Excel Academy Central on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Excel Academy Central","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/excel-academy-central/131965"}

About this school

Excel Academy Central is a public school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is part of Philadelphia City School District. It serves 401 students in grades 9 - 12. Its teachers have had 14 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades 9 - 12

401 Students

# of teachers unavailable

201 E Olney Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19120 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Excel Academy Central to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Excel Academy Central Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Excel Academy Central Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

72%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Excel Academy Central Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 24, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.