Providence Academy is a school that fills the void to help children
and adolescents who don't fit the model of the current educational system,
but who have the potential for learning if the academic setting is appropriate.
The population of the individuals that are served by Providence Academy
are children and adolescents who require Integrated Academic and Support
Services (Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Neurofeedback, Social
Skills Training) in order to reach their full potential and be able to
live independently.
Providence Academy serves children Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Classrooms are multi-grade and multi-age classes - K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
Classes are limited to 9 students and there is a four to one (4:1)
student to teacher ratio for elementary and middle school classes.
Reading, Math and Writing instruction is individualized based on the child's
skill level. Grades 9-12 have a ratio of 8:1.
Program Goals
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To provide academic instruction using multiple methods and curriculum.
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To “fill in the gaps” for students who have received instruction however
did not reach a level of fluency that allowed them to be successful in
the “standard” curriculum.
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To provide social intervention and “coaching” .
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To teach “self-compensatory” skills, allowing students to transition learned
skills into their life.
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To teach organizational skills based on the learning style of the students.
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To provide a caring, motivating, success oriented atmosphere that assists
students in understanding their own strengths.
Program Design
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Small classroom atmosphere of no more than 9 students.
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Individualized educational remediation based on the students Individual
Education Plan, which is created from the results of the comprehensive
multidisciplinary evaluation prior to admissions.
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Consultation and integration of professionals in other disciplines working
with our students (Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, etc.).
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Consistent parent communication.
Program Population
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The student population consists of students in grades K-12 who present
with special needs in the areas of cognitive and social development. Our
students come to us with a variety of needs including diagnosis of ADHD,
PDD, High Functioning Autism and Learning Disabilities.
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The specific needs of our students include individualized and small group
specialized academic instruction. Students also tend to require integrated
services in the areas of Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Educational
Remediation, and/or Attention Training.
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Prior to acceptance into the Academy, a comprehensive evaluation will be
completed to best assess the specific needs of the student. This multi-disciplinary
assessment incorporates speech and language, psychology, education, occupational
therapy and vision evaluations.
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The comprehensive evaluation is required prior to acceptance into the program.
It is possible that a child will not be accepted into Providence Academy
based on this evaluation, because the assessment finds that the program
is not appropriate for the child. However, a formal report will be given
to the parent, and can be shared with the school that the child is enrolled
in.
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Students score in the cognitive assessment will range between 80 and 140.
Students cannot have an emotional disturbance or extreme behavior disorders.
Behavior issues may be present, but can be modified when an appropriate
educational environment is provided.
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Students are referred by a parent or guardian and doctors within the community.
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