Novak Academy's graduation speaker Juewelz Wade.
Novak Academy
Welcome to Novak Academy's page! Like our page to receive updates, breaking news, and photos from Champaign Unit 4's alternative high school.
Utilizing smaller class sizes, student-focused problem-based learning, and career and technical focus, Novak Academy is an alternative learning environment that has become an integral part of the Champaign Unit 4 school district. Available to any high school student who has completed one full year of high school in Champaign Schools, Novak Academy reaches out to students who find the environment o
05/22/2026
It wasn't long ago that 30 voiceless students came to us. It wasn't because they didn't have one, it was because they didn't necessarily know there was one to have. It was opportunity not ability that kept them so. In the coming months they spent with us they learned their voice. The developed it, practiced it, mastered it. It wasn't easy - as most of them will tell you, but their persistence paid off.
Last night, these 30 students sang! They sang of courage, they sang of resilience, they sang of hope.
It was an absolute honor to Novak Academy of being able to help these young adults find their song, and we wish them the best as they take that song and teach others to sing.
05/21/2026
A lot of amazing people leaving this place to go do great things!
05/11/2026
Senior Celebration is right around the corner!
05/07/2026
Congratulations to Ryan O'Connor for being awarded one of the CU Schools Foundation Shining Star Award. he is being recognized for his commitment to student success and leadership in creating a trauma-responsive a learning environment. According to fellow Novak teacher Randi Wenzel, "His ability to balance rigorous academic expectations with empathetic, authentic relationship-buikding ensures that students feel both challenged and supported in reaching their full potential."
But if you ask him, "Any success I have comes from working with an amazing staff and admin at Novak that supports me, even when my ideas are way out there. Any success I have is directly attributed to them."
04/03/2026
NOvak...more like YESvak! That's because these 7 said "yes" to the Novak challenge. We didn't make it easy. It was a long journey with many twists and turns, hurdles they never thought they'd overcome, yet here they are walking Novak's hallway one more time before they take on a wold they are ready to change. Join us in congratulating and wishing good skill to our Session 4 grads!
04/03/2026
It never gets old celebrating all the hard work our student put in to the session. Another seven weeks down, seven more to go!
01/25/2026
Due to forecasted extreme cold weather, there will be an E-Learning day tomorrow, January 26, 2026.
Please make sure to check your emails for teacher instructions.
Just as a reminder, this is finals week. While it may not be a traditional day, it is important to remember the session ends Friday!
12/15/2025
Unit 4 has called an E-learning day for December 15th. Make sure to click on the document shared by your 2/3 teacher. This is still considered an attendance day.
12/11/2025
We are getting so close, but it still feels so far. So to shake off those snowy winter blues, we are going to celebrate every day of our last week before winter break.
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Location
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Address
1103 N Neil Street
Champaign, IL
61820