Academic Programs
Consistent with students in the public schools, our students access the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks’ academic studies and participate in the alternative Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing. However, it is how our licensed and certified special education teachers and paraprofessionals teach and tailor academic studies to each student’s unique learning style and abilities, along with our spacious, highly stimulating and structured classrooms, that set us apart.
We offer a range of evidence-based special education services consistent with best practices, including Individualized Curriculum and Differentiated, Small Group and One-to-One Instruction. Our comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team approach emphasizes teaching meaningful and developmentally functional academic, life, social and communication skills. Our teaching techniques include:
- Individualized Curriculum
- Differentiated Instruction
- Small Group Instruction
- One-to-One Instruction
- Experiential Learning
- Shaping & Modeling
- Social Stories
- Desensitization Techniques
- Task Analysis
- Repetition
- Chaining & Backwards Chaining
- Sensory Integration
Pre-Vocational & Vocational Services
Our Vocational Programs are offered in local community settings as well as on-campus sites. Community based locations include partnerships with local companies and agencies while on-site assignments consist of Campus Café tasks, grounds maintenance and office support. Students not yet ready for a site-assignment will focus on following direction, attention to and completion of tasks and problem-solving, in a classroom setting.
Transitional Service
Preparing for the transition into adult living is a primary focus for our students nearing that point in their lives. Caring for their personal environment, meal preparation skills, making choices, self care and community integration are all skill areas developed in the Transitional Services Workshop.
Adaptive Physical Education
Our Adaptive Physical Education program is an important part of our curriculum and focuses on the development of fundamental motor skills, patterns, aquatics, group games and intramural sports. Under the supervision of our Licensed APE Instructor, these activities are carried out in a variety of settings on campus including our Gymnasium, Aquatic Center, Playground and Basketball Court.
Educational Events & Experiences
For learning that extends beyond classroom walls, our students are encouraged to visit a variety of educational venues, including local museums, aquariums and historical places of interest. Our classrooms coordinate several annual events such as the Invention Convention, International Day, Student Elections, Field Day and Graduation & Prom Ceremonies.