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About Summit Academy
Where every student gets a fresh start
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About Summit Academy
Where every student gets a fresh start
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About Summit Academy
Where every student gets a fresh start
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About Summit Academy
Where every student gets a fresh start
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About Summit Academy
Where every student gets a fresh start

Summit Academy
Overview
Summit Academy is an alternative education program operated by the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education #4. We serve students in grades 6–12 across Boone and Winnebago Counties who benefit from a supportive, nontraditional learning environment.
In partnership with our 13 local school districts, we provide a safe, relationship-driven setting where students can re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and set new goals for their future.

Summit Academy is a Regional Safe Schools Program (RSSP), part of an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)-funded initiative for students who have been suspended, expelled, or are at risk due to serious behavioral or academic challenges. We also serve students through the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) and the Truants' Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP).
Summit Academy operates under ISBE authority and is governed by an Intergovernmental Agreement among participating districts. The program is overseen by the Regional Superintendent in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/13A and 105 ILCS 5/13B.
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Our Mission
Summit Academy empowers students in grades 6–12 to Reset, Connect, Restore, and Return—equipping them with resilience, confidence, and the skills needed for academic and personal success.
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Reset: A fresh start for students facing disciplinary, attendance, or academic struggles
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Connect: Building meaningful relationships and reconnecting with learning
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Restore: Rebuilding confidence through restorative practices and support
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Return: Preparing students for graduation or successful reintegration into their home schools
We envision Summit Academy as a place where every learner develops the knowledge, skills, and mindset to pursue higher education, secure meaningful employment, contribute to their community, and lead a fulfilling life.
Our mission is to provide every student with high-quality, inquiry-based, and project-oriented instruction in a collaborative, student-centered environment—supported by ongoing professional development for our staff.
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Enrollment
Summit Academy supports students who:
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Struggle in traditional school settings
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Face behavioral or emotional challenges
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Are involved in the court or juvenile justice system
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Need a more structured and supportive environment
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Are working to recover credits and stay on track for graduation
Students are referred to Summit Academy by their home school districts
The process involves:
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Initial contact with the family by the home school counselor or administrator
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A collaborative meeting with the student, family, home school team, and Summit Academy staff
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Completion of a referral packet by the home school in partnership with the family
Referral and enrollment packets are only accepted from a student’s home school. For questions, contact us at admissions@roe4.org.
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The School Day
Each day begins with a warm greeting and a nutritious breakfast. Classes run from 8:50 AM to 2:30 PM. Transportation is provided by students’ home districts.
Our technology-rich classrooms offer a low teacher-to-student ratio, allowing for personalized attention. Students progress through a self-contained leveling system, earning privileges as they achieve academic and behavioral milestones—moving steadily toward graduation or returning to their home school.
Our staff takes pride in knowing every student’s name and building genuine relationships with them. Relationships are central to our model—every student is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
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Summit Academy implements a comprehensive MTSS framework to meet students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs through:
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Tiered academic supports tailored to individual learning goals
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Behavioral and social-emotional interventions
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Ongoing progress monitoring
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Collaborative problem-solving with families and staff
We believe no student is too far behind when the right supports are in place.
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Social-emotional growth is a core part of the Summit Academy experience. We offer:
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Daily check-ins and structured classroom support
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Individual and group counseling
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Restorative practices and positive behavior reinforcement
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Tools for emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and relationship-building
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Support from licensed clinicians, counselors, and behavior specialists
Our team works together to create a safe, structured environment where students can build healthy connections and lifelong coping skills.
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Our Mission
Summit Academy empowers students in grades 6–12+ to Reset, Connect, Restore, and Return—equipping them with resilience, confidence, and the skills needed for academic and personal success.
-
Reset: A fresh start for students facing disciplinary, attendance, or academic struggles
-
Connect: Building meaningful relationships and reconnecting with learning
-
Restore: Rebuilding confidence through restorative practices and support
-
Return: Preparing students for graduation or successful reintegration into their home schools
We envision Summit Academy as a place where every learner develops the knowledge, skills, and mindset to pursue higher education, secure meaningful employment, contribute to their community, and lead a fulfilling life.
Our mission is to provide every student with high-quality, inquiry-based, and project-oriented instruction in a collaborative, student-centered environment—supported by ongoing professional development for our staff.
Enrollment
Summit Academy supports students who:
-
Struggle in traditional school settings
-
Face behavioral or emotional challenges
-
Are involved in the court or juvenile justice system
-
Need a more structured and supportive environment
-
Are working to recover credits and stay on track for graduation
Students are referred to Summit Academy by their home school districts
The process involves:
-
Initial contact with the family by the home school counselor or administrator
-
A collaborative meeting with the student, family, home school team, and Summit Academy staff
-
Completion of a referral packet by the home school in partnership with the family
Referral and enrollment packets are only accepted from a student’s home school. For questions, contact us at admissions@roe4.org.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Summit Academy implements a comprehensive MTSS framework to meet students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs through:
-
Tiered academic supports tailored to individual learning goals
-
Behavioral and social-emotional interventions
-
Ongoing progress monitoring
-
Collaborative problem-solving with families and staff
We believe no student is too far behind when the right supports are in place.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Support
Social-emotional growth is a core part of the Summit Academy experience. We offer:
-
Daily check-ins and structured classroom support
-
Individual and group counseling
-
Restorative practices and positive behavior reinforcement
-
Tools for emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and relationship-building
-
Support from licensed clinicians, counselors, and behavior specialists
Our team works together to create a safe, structured environment where students can build healthy connections and lifelong coping skills.
Summit Leadership

Meghan Hawkinson
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Faith McNamee

Paul Cassioppi
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Kevin Weaver

James Ongtengco

Autumn Czizek
