Excellence College Prep High School

Excellence College Prep is a proposed tuition-free public charter high school in University Park, Illinois, designed to serve students in grades 9–12 throughout the Crete-Monee 201-U community. Built upon the principles of academic excellence, fine arts, technology, and leadership development, Excellence College Prep seeks to provide students with a world-class educational experience that prepares them for college, careers, and lives of purpose. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and high expectations, we aim to create a school where every student is known, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Excellence College Prep is currently in the planning and community engagement phase. Our goal is to open to students in Fall 2029, beginning with an inaugural class of ninth-grade students and expanding one grade level each year. Before opening, we will continue working with families, community stakeholders, educational leaders, and state officials to build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Every Student Can Achieve Greatness

We believe every student possesses the capacity to succeed when provided with exceptional instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations.

College and Career Readiness for All

Every graduate will leave Excellence College Prep prepared to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, military service, entrepreneurship, or other postsecondary opportunities with confidence and purpose.

The Arts Are Essential

Fine and performing arts cultivate discipline, creativity, collaboration, confidence, and leadership. Every student deserves the opportunity to discover and develop their artistic talents.

Character Matters

Integrity, service, perseverance, empathy, and responsibility are intentionally taught and celebrated as essential components of lifelong success.

Technology Empowers Learning

Students must become thoughtful creators—not simply consumers—of technology, preparing them to lead in an increasingly digital world.

Belonging Fuels Excellence

Students thrive when they feel seen, valued, challenged, and connected to a school community that believes in their success.

Academic Excellence
A rigorous college preparatory curriculum aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, supported by data-driven instruction and targeted intervention.

Artistic Excellence
A comprehensive fine and performing arts program that develops creativity, discipline, collaboration, and confidence through meaningful artistic experiences.

Leadership & Character
Daily opportunities to develop integrity, resilience, service, and leadership through advisory, community engagement, and school traditions.

College & Future Readiness
Comprehensive college counseling, standardized test preparation, technology integration, scholarship support, and real-world experiences that prepare students for life after graduation.

We promise to know every student, challenge every student, and prepare every student. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, artistic expression, and unwavering support, Excellence College Prep will cultivate graduates who are confident, compassionate, intellectually curious, and equipped to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.

Excellence College Prep proudly serves the communities of Crete, Monee, Park Forest, and University Park. These four communities are connected by shared history, diverse cultures, and a common belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Together, these communities represent families who value opportunity, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future for the next generation. While each community has its own unique identity, they are united by students with extraordinary potential and parents who seek excellent educational opportunities close to home.

Excellence was founded with the belief that every student deserves access to a rigorous college preparatory education, outstanding performing arts, innovative technology, and a school culture where they are known, challenged, and celebrated. Our commitment is not to one municipality, but to an entire region of families working toward a common future.

We believe that when Crete, Monee, Park Forest, and University Park succeed together, the entire community becomes stronger.

One region. One community. One commitment to excellence.

✦ Grades 9-12

✦ Tuition-Free

✦ Public Charter High School

✦ Fine Arts

✦ Technology

✦ Athletics

✦ Safe Environment

✦ Opening Fall 2029

✦ 85% of students at Crete-Monee High School are not meeting math standards

✦ 69% of Crete-Monee High School students are not meeting ELA standards

✦ 41% of Crete-Monee High School students are chronically absent

✦ Only 34% of Crete-Monee High School students feel safe

✦ Over 800 reported incidents with disciplinary action

✦ 20+ dangerous weapons reporting

✦ Negative media coverage for non-educational behavior at Crete-Monee High School

Excellence is not here to replace Crete-Monee High School. We are here to provide families with another high-quality educational option.