Campus Information
Year Open:
School Mascot: Eagles
School colors: Colombia blue, Black
Mission Statement: The mission of ICEA is to strive to remove barriers for students to earn their high school diploma through a differentiated and challenging curriculum in order to become successful productive members of society.
Darren Calvert - Principal
Although I did not graduate from Northside, I have worked in the district for 27 years. I began my career in
Northside as a paraprofessional for two years and worked my way up to become a Special Education
teacher. I taught for six years before accepting a job as a Behavior Specialist. After working for three
years as a Behavior Specialist, I decided to accept a job as a school counselor. After being a school
counselor for six years, I decided to become an administrator.
This is my tenth year as Principal of Irene L. Chavez Excel Academy. My expectations are high, but I have
a warm caring heart. Working at Chavez Excel Academy has allowed me to give the personal touch that
helps students overcome their challenges and see them triumph in the end. Students do well at Chavez
Excel Academy because we expect the best from them. Students put their future in our hands and we
treat it with the respect that it deserves. Excel is the place where dreams become a reality.
Northside as a paraprofessional for two years and worked my way up to become a Special Education
teacher. I taught for six years before accepting a job as a Behavior Specialist. After working for three
years as a Behavior Specialist, I decided to accept a job as a school counselor. After being a school
counselor for six years, I decided to become an administrator.
This is my tenth year as Principal of Irene L. Chavez Excel Academy. My expectations are high, but I have
a warm caring heart. Working at Chavez Excel Academy has allowed me to give the personal touch that
helps students overcome their challenges and see them triumph in the end. Students do well at Chavez
Excel Academy because we expect the best from them. Students put their future in our hands and we
treat it with the respect that it deserves. Excel is the place where dreams become a reality.
The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at darren.calvert@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-8120.