Federal Programs & Accountability

GENERAL INFORMATION

Excelsior Village Academies participates in several federal and state programs designed to support students, teachers, and families. These programs are authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and other federal and state laws. Funding from these programs helps us strengthen instruction, provide professional learning for teachers, and ensure all students have equal access to a high-quality education.

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Oversight and Organization
Parent and Family Rights
Parents/guardians have important rights under federal and state law, including the right to:

Complaints and Grievances

If a parent, student, or community member believes the school has violated federal law or regulation related to federal programs, a complaint may be filed:
  1. First, with the school’s Federal Programs Coordinator (see below).
  2. If not resolved, with the Georgia Department of Education, Federal Programs Division.
Concerns that do not involve federal programs (such as general grievances, employment issues, or operational concerns) should be filed under the school’s Complaints, Grievances, and Whistleblower Policy, available here.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns related to federal programs, please contact: Federal Programs Coordinator Michelle Flowers mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org (404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

TITLE I, PART A - Achievement of Economically Disadvantaged Students (with Family Engagement)

Purpose

Title I, Part A is the largest federal education program supporting elementary and secondary schools. It provides additional resources to ensure all children, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged or at risk of failing, have the opportunity to meet challenging state academic standards.

At Excelsior Village Academies, Title I funds are used to strengthen instruction, provide academic support, and increase family engagement so that every student can thrive.

Excelsior Village Academies operates a Schoolwide Program under Title I, Part A. In this program, all students benefit from services funded by Title I, as we implement schoolwide strategies for academic improvement.

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Title I funds support:

  • Additional teachers and interventionists to provide small-group instruction.
  • Evidence-based instructional programs in reading and math.
  • Tutoring and afterschool learning opportunities.
  • Parent and family engagement activities and resources.

Federal law (ESSA §1116) requires schools receiving Title I funds to partner with families in meaningful ways. At Excelsior Village Academies:

  • We hold an Annual Title I Meeting to share information about the program, use of funds, and parent rights.
  • We distribute and review the school’s Parent & Family Engagement Policy each year.
  • Parents, teachers, and students work together to develop a School-Parent Compact, outlining shared responsibilities for student success.
  • We provide opportunities for families to participate in school planning, decision-making, and feedback.

Title I Parent Meeting Recording

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Under Title I, parents/guardians have the right to:

  • Request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers and paraprofessionals. The following information may be requested:
  1. Whether the student’s teacher
    – has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
    – is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and
    – is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
  2. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and if so, their qualifications.
    – Be notified if your child is taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet state certification requirements.
    – Requests for teacher qualification information should be directed to:

    Federal Programs Coordinator
    Michelle Flowers
    mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org
    (404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

TITLE I, PART C - Migrant Education Program

Purpose

The Migrant Education Program (MEP) provides support to children and youth of migratory agricultural workers and fishers. These students often face unique challenges, including frequent moves, interrupted schooling, and language barriers. Title I, Part C funds ensure that migratory children have the same opportunity to meet state academic standards as all other students. 

Identification of Migrant Children

Excelsior Village Academies works with the Georgia Department of Education’s Migrant Education Program Office to identify students who qualify for MEP services. Families complete a Migrant Education Occupational Survey during enrollment, and eligibility is verified by the state.

Services Provided

Eligible students and families may receive:
  • Tutoring and supplemental instruction in reading and math.
  • English language development support.
  • School supplies and educational resources.
  • Health, nutrition, and social service referrals.
  • Summer or afterschool programs to reduce educational disruption.
  • Translation and interpretation for families.

Parent and Family Engagement

Parents of migratory children have the right to:
  • Be involved in planning and reviewing MEP-funded services.
  • Receive information about their child’s education in a language they understand.
  • Access referrals for health and community services to support family needs.
For more information about the Migrant Education Program or to determine if your family qualifies for this program, please contact: Migrant Education Liaison Michelle Flowers mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org (404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

TITLE I, PART D - Neglected & Delinquent Children

Purpose

Title I, Part D provides financial support to schools and institutions that serve children and youth who are:

  • Living in local institutions for neglected or delinquent children,
  • Attending community day programs, or
  • At risk of academic failure due to involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Services and Supports

Services may include:

  • Tutoring and academic intervention to help students catch up on credits.
  • Counseling and mentoring to support social-emotional needs.
  • Coordination with juvenile justice facilities, DFCS, and community agencies.
  • Transition planning and reentry support for students returning to school from a facility.
  • Programs designed to reduce dropout risk and promote graduation.

Parent and Family Engagement

Parents and guardians of neglected or delinquent youth are encouraged to:

  • Participate in the development of individual education and transition plans.
  • Work with school staff to support reentry and continued learning.
  • Access resources and referrals for counseling, health, and family support services.

Excelsior Village Academies does not currently receive Title I, Part D funding. However, if the school serves eligible students in the future, Title I, Part D services will include academic support, transition planning, and coordination with community and state agencies to ensure student success.

For more information about Title I, Part D, please contact:

Federal Programs Coordinator

Michelle Flowers

mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org

(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

TITLE II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction

Purpose

Title II, Part A provides funding to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders. The goal is to ensure that every student has access to excellent instruction that helps them achieve academic success.

How Funds Are Used

When allocated, Title II funds may be used to:

  • Provide professional learning for teachers in areas such as literacy, math, instructional technology, or student engagement.
  • Support coaching and mentoring programs for teachers and leaders.
  • Recruit, hire, and retain highly qualified educators.
  • Build leadership capacity through training for administrators and instructional leaders.

Parent and Family Rights

Parents and families have the right to know that:

  • Title II funds are used to strengthen instruction and support teacher development.
  • The school maintains transparent hiring practices and professional development plans aligned with state standards.

For more information about  Title II, Part A, please contact: 

Federal Programs Coordinator

Michelle Flowers

mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org

(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

TITLE III, Part A - English Learners & Immigrant Students

Purpose

Title III, Part A provides funding to help English Learners (ELs) attain English proficiency and meet the same challenging state academic standards as their peers. It also supports immigrant students as they adjust to a new educational system and community.

Services for English Learners

Title III funds may be used to provide:

  • English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction.
  • Additional language development programs or tutoring.
  • Curriculum materials and technology to support English language learning.
  • Professional learning for teachers to improve instruction for ELs.
  • Translation and interpretation services for families.

Parent  Notification and Rights

Under federal law, parents of English Learners must be notified within 30 days of the beginning of the school year (or within 2 weeks of identification during the year) if their child is identified as EL and will receive ESOL or Title III services.

Parents have the right to:

  • Receive notification in a language they understand about their child’s placement, services, and progress.
  • Decline ESOL services if they choose.
  • Request a change in their child’s language instruction program.
  • Participate in parent outreach and engagement activities funded by Title III.

Family and Community Engagement

Excelsior Village Academies values the input of EL families and provides opportunities to:

  • Share feedback about Title III-funded programs.
  • Access resources to support learning at home.
  • Participate in school activities and decision-making.

Contact Information

For more information about  Title III, Part A or services for English Learners, please contact: 

Title III/ESOL Coordinator

Michelle Flowers

mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org

(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

TITLE IV, Part A - Student Support & Academic Enrichment

Purpose

Title IV, Part A provides funding to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of schools to:

  1. Provide students with access to a well-rounded education.
  2. Improve school conditions for student learning to create safe and healthy students.
  3. Increase the effective use of technology to enhance academic outcomes and digital literacy.

How Funds Are Used

When allocated, Title IV funds may be used to:

  • Support STEM, fine arts, and enrichment programs that expand student opportunities.
  • Provide social-emotional learning (SEL) and counseling supports to promote safe, supportive school environments.
  • Fund school safety initiatives such as prevention programs, training, or resources.
    Integrate technology into classrooms, including devices, software, and teacher training, with an emphasis on digital citizenship and responsible use.

Family and Community Engagement

Excelsior Village Academies values the input of EL families and provides opportunities to:

Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

  • Provide input on the types of enrichment, safety, and technology programs most valuable for students.
  • Participate in surveys and school forums that guide decisions on the use of Title IV funds

Contact Information

For more information about Title IV, Part A, please contact: 
Federal Programs Coordinator
Michelle Flowers
mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org
(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Purpose

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free, appropriate public education. Students identified as homeless have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they lack normally required documents such as proof of residency, immunizations, or school records. Excelsior Village Academies complies with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Georgia State Board Rule 160-5-1-.28.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless children and youth are defined as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who:

  • Share housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons;
  • Live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternatives;
  • Reside in emergency or transitional shelters;
  • Are abandoned in hospitals;
  • Have a primary nighttime residence in a place not designed for human habitation;
  • Live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations; or
  • Are migratory children meeting the above definitions.

Unaccompanied youth, students not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, who meet these conditions are also considered homeless.

Under McKinney-Vento, students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

  • Immediate enrollment in school, even if records (proof of residence, immunizations, transcripts, etc.) are not available at the time of enrollment.
  • Remain in the school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school last enrolled in), if it is in their best interest.
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
  • Free school meals through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program.
  • Equal access to all school programs and services, including preschool, gifted, special education, English language support, and extracurricular activities.
  • Academic credit for full or partial coursework completed at a previous school.
  • Dispute resolution process if there is disagreement about eligibility, enrollment, or school placement. Students will be enrolled immediately while disputes are resolved, consistent with federal and state law. For details, please see our McKinney-Vento Notice.

Excelsior Village Academies works with families, community organizations, and the Georgia Department of Education to identify students experiencing homelessness and connect them with needed academic and community supports.

Federal Programs Contacts

Title I, II, III, IV, Student Privacy & Data Rights
Federal Programs Coordinator
Michelle Flowers, CEO & Founder
mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org

(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000
McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act
McKinney Vento Homeless Liaison
Michelle Flowers
 
mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org
(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

Migrant Education Program
Migrant Education Liaison
Michelle Flowers
mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org
(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

Civil Rights
Title IX Coordinator
Michelle Flowers, CEO & Founder
mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org
(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000
Section 504 Coordinator
Michelle Flowers, CEO & Founder
mflowers@excelsiorvillageacademies.org
(404) 986-8595 ext. 1000

Accessibility & Equity (IDEA and ESOL)
Jamilah Bashir
jbashir@excelsiorvillageacademies.org 
(215) 514-1630

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