Our School
We believe in the potential of every student and we do whatever it takes to help them reach their potential.
Children’s Academy provides rigorous, language-based learning in classrooms with low student-to-teacher ratio (6:2:1). A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist is a part of every classroom’s teaching staff for all K – 12th grade classrooms. This ensures that meaningful and therapeutic language assistance is seamlessly integrated throughout the day no matter the class. Occupational therapy is integrated into students’ day as well via individual sessions, multiple weekly groups, and daily push-in sessions alongside classroom staff. Each classroom is supported by an occupational therapist to build students’ gross motor, fine motor, handwriting, and keyboard/technology skills.
A hallmark of our approach is grouping students into the same skill-based levels for their academic subjects. Throughout the day students are strategically paired with peers at their academic level, not necessarily their grade level. This approach allows staff to meet each student where they are, challenge them, and ensure each student learns at an appropriate pace. In addition to the academic benefits, this approach enhances self-esteem since no student is “pulled out” of class for a given subject.
The Breakdown
- Rigorous, language-based learning in small classrooms with low student-to-teacher ratio (6:2:1). Licensed Speech & Language pathologist (SLP) is part of every classroom’s multi-disciplinary teaching staff
- Individualized attention within group learning
- Family & community support
- Individualized evidence-based Transition Planning for life after high school
- Arts & recreational after-school programming available
- Individual speech and language therapy
- Individual occupational therapy
- Group occupational therapy (3-5 children)
- Group speech and language therapy (Language Arts & Schematic Play/Social Skills)
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- A dedicated SLP in each classroom who provides individual and group speech & language therapy as well as support academic instruction across the day
- An individualized plan is developed for each child with strategies and goals designed to meet the child’s academic and social need
- Student specific & appropriately challenging academic curriculum
- 12-month academic program, 9am – 3pm daily
- In house learning specialists who conduct yearly academic assessments
- Fine Motor group run by occupational therapist
- Daily small group learning (3-5 children) for core academics
- Annual academic evaluations and reports
- Annual Comprehensive speech and language and occupational therapy evaluations and reports
- Trained staff to address behaviors that may occur with children who have speech, language and sensory struggles
Our Model
Knowledge is Power
With Manhattan as our canvas, our language based learning model focuses on establishing the basis for educational and social development. We set high expectations. Our comprehensive and immersive curriculums ensure our students achieve their own academic success. In addition to learning reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, our team of educators and therapists work to ensure our students are utilizing art, field trips, daily living skills and more within their daily lessons. As our students progress through high school, they learn even more independence.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Academic Supports
To support and enhance our unique model, each student also receives individualized speech, OT, and participates in our SEL classes utilizing The Social Thinking curriculum. With the goal towards independence, we work with students in a variety of settings to achieve their individualized goals. In addition to SLP's and OT's our team also includes learning specialists, social workers, a transition guidance counselor, and a family resource specialist to help our children and their families.
Individualized & Interdiciplinary Educational Approach
We are confident your child can learn when approached the right way. If something doesn’t work, we keep trying until we find what does. To accomplish this, CA staff having training in a variety of teaching interventions and therapeutic modalities. We are not a one-size fits all environment.
Highly Qualified & Trained Staff
Each classroom has highly qualified teachers and speech therapists with advanced degrees and a commitment to helping the students reach their goals. Our intimate student-to-teacher ratio allows our staff to approach each student individually, ensuring they get the most out of their experience at Children’s Academy.
Family Partnerships Are Essential
We partner with families to set goals, track progress, and ensure students are learning, happy, and confident. At Children’s Academy, we have an open door policy – you have an open invitation to observe during the school day so we can work in concert with families to ensure your child is growing and learning. We are committed to collaboration with families so learning is seamless between home and school.
Whole Student Focus
School isn’t just about academics. Having friends, building confidence, and taking risks are important life skills. We take a holistic approach, ensuring we are developing happy and confident students who are prepared for life both in and out of the classroom.
