214@100: Forest View Academy leader helps sutdents succeed

In her nearly two years as director of The Academy at Forest View, Kara Kendrick has accomplished much. Under Kendrick's leadership, The Academy, District 214's therapeutic day school, has seen an increase in student attendance and an improvement in grades, instituted regular home visits, offered new art, woods and Project Lead The Way classes and held its first Homecoming Week.

The school has also built a new brand and identity as a place where students find success. The changes, aimed at meeting students where they are academically, socially and emotionally, have revitalized students and staff. Kendrick, a former dean at Naperville North and Maine South high schools, said she is lucky to have spent her career working alongside students.

She considers her current role, overseeing 100 staff and students, her "dream job."

"I am proud to walk through the doors of The Academy each morning, grateful to be inspired by incredible students, honored to be working with a compassionate, hard working staff, and humbled to learn something new every day," Kendrick said.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.