September Newsletter
Message from Principal Vedziovski
Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! This is a very special year as we open our high school at its new location in Bridgeport. We are thrilled to begin this next chapter together and to provide our students with a safe, supportive, and inspiring place to learn and grow.
As we head into September, we are excited to share many important updates with you ranging from new programs and student opportunities to ways you can stay connected and engaged. Together, we will build a strong foundation for our high school community and create an environment where every student can thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making this a truly remarkable school year.
We have also put together a short video for you in case you were not able to visit during Open House.
A New Chapter Begins
Grand Opening: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On August 12th, our school community came together with Principal Seat Vedziovski and the dedicated high school staff to officially kick off the year with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This special event marked not only the start of a new school year, but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park High.
The opening of our very own high school campus is a milestone years in the making. Thanks to the dedication and support of so many who believed in this vision from the very beginning, we now have a space that offers more programs, resources, and opportunities than ever before for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.
We were honored to welcome several distinguished guests who joined us to celebrate this achievement, including Concept Schools CEO Sedat Duman, Gery Chico, State Representative Theresa Mah, 11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Greg Richmond, and Commissioner John P. Daley. Their presence highlighted the importance of this moment not only for our school, but for our greater community as well.
This ribbon-cutting was more than a ceremony— it was a celebration of growth, community, and the bright future ahead for our students. We are excited for all that this new campus will bring!
Excellence in Action
HSA McKinley Park High Ranked #1
We are thrilled to announce that Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park High has once again earned the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s annual school rankings!
🏆 #1 Charter High School in Illinois
🏆 #3 Charter Elementary School in Illinois
🏆 #5 Charter Middle School in Illinois
This recognition is more than just a ranking—it reflects the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of our entire school community. From our dedicated teachers and staff to our supportive families and, most importantly, our determined students, each member plays a vital role in helping our school continue to shine.
For years, HSA McKinley Park High has proudly ranked among the top schools in the state across all grade levels, and this achievement is yet another milestone in our journey of growth and excellence.
We are grateful for the teamwork, passion, and spirit that make HSA McKinley Park High not just a school, but a community where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Here’s to reaching new heights together!
New at HSA McKinley Park High
Welcome New Staff Members
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest members of our Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park High team! We are thrilled to have such talented and dedicated educators joining our school community.
Our new teachers and staff bring fresh ideas, diverse experiences, and a shared commitment to supporting our students’ success. We are confident they will make a lasting impact on our classrooms, activities, and school culture.
Together, we look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and new opportunities for our students to shine.
Alumni Hub
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Alumni Hub at the high school, led by Ms. Solmaz, our Alumni Coordinator! This space is designed to strengthen the connection between current students and graduates of Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park High.
The Alumni Hub is also a welcoming place for graduates to return, visit, and stay connected with our school community. By bringing alumni and students together, we hope to create lasting relationships that inspire, support, and celebrate success beyond high school.
Click here to schedule a visit.
Alumni Visit August 20
Alumni Visit August 29
Student Voices
A Message from Emmanuel Valencia
Starting out as a small K-12 school, our school has changed a lot and become a great place for learning and growth. At first, the school felt cozy but a bit limited, with a close community that formed out of necessity. The teachers were dedicated, but they faced challenges because of limited resources and the need to teach a wide age range.
Over time, we made smart investments in training for teachers and improving the curriculum, which helped them become more skilled and effective in their teaching. This focus on improving teacher knowledge created a culture of always getting better, which helped both the teachers and the students who got to learn from new and exciting teaching methods.
The physical changes in our school matched the improvements in learning. For many years, we didn’t have our own building and had to use shared spaces and temporary setups. This made our community strong and resourceful, but it also made it hard to create a unified learning space. Getting our own building was a big change. The new facilities gave us modern classrooms, special labs, and plenty of room for after-school activities, which helped us provide a richer and more complete educational experience.
Moving into our own building sparked even more positive changes. With better resources and facilities, we could bring in a more diverse and talented group of students and teachers. This mix of new ideas and perspectives made our school culture richer, creating a more welcoming and cooperative environment.
The larger facilities also let us offer more programs and activities, meeting the varied interests and talents of our students. From advanced STEM classes to lively arts programs, our school became a center for intellectual and creative exploration, getting students ready for success in college and beyond.
Important Dates
- September 1 – No School (Labor Day)
- September 15 – Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off
- September 24 – Early Dismissal (Dismissal at 11:45 AM)
- September 25 – No School: Parent-Teacher Conferences (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- September 26 – No School (Staff Professional Development Day)
- September 29 – First Day of Clubs & Tutoring
