Mission
The Providence Academy’s mission is to research, design, and provide the best academic program and learning environment possible for the comprehensive education of students who have complex learning and social differences. Our goal is to facilitate the development of self-confidence and to provide our students with the academic foundation necessary for them to reach their true potential and enjoy a successful experience in higher education and/or vocation, as well as become active and competent members of our community.
Purpose
It is our responsibility to provide a learning environment that promotes that individual feeling of success for each child, and to find the unique key that opens the door to optimize his/her learning potential. Providence Academy works with children who do not fit the mold of traditional public or private school settings and require more intensive, individualized instruction to succeed. The purpose of our school is to meet each child's academic, social and developmental needs.
We believe that in order to achieve these goals, we must begin by assessing the child’s learning strengths and cognitive or social deficits. By focusing on the strengths of each child and his/her personal learning style, and then using those as a foundation for future learning, we can then provide intensive, research based instruction to capitalize on the their strengths and remediate deficits. We believe that each child must be involved in setting his/her own goals, and that he/she ultimately takes responsibility for his/her own academic achievement. It is our responsibility to help each student reach those goals through individualized assignments, by breaking down concepts into small achievable steps, by providing immediate feedback and encouragement, and by making a variety of resources and curriculum available. We expect our students to meet high academic standards, and we strive for mastery of skills.
We believe a key to a strong school is a unified staff that shares a common philosophy, yet where each member's individual teaching style and strengths are honored. We believe that all members of the staff must serve as positive role models who encourage each other, and who consistently convey to each child their belief in his/her ability to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. It is the responsibility of all staff members to promote a social atmosphere where children learn to respect the differences in others, where they appreciate and applaud the strengths of their peers, and where children are given the tools to resolve conflicts in a respectful, positive manner.
We promote and welcome parent involvement in all aspects of the child's education, and believe that when we work as a team with the main focus on the child, great things can and do happen!
Laughter and fun is strongly promoted in our school. We believe that children should have something to look forward to each day, and try to promote an atmosphere of joy - the joy of learning, the joy of reaching a new goal, the joy of a job well done, the joy of a shared project, the joy of a new friend, the joy of an encouraging word!
Program Design
The 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. Providence also provides a transition program for students graduating from high school, and still requires assistance in college and/or a vocation.
Prior to acceptance into the Academy, evaluations will be reviewed and/or completed to best assess the specific needs of the student. This multi-disciplinary assessment incorporates speech and language evaluations, psychoeducational assessments, occupational therapy and social/behavioral evaluations. Providence Academy has many research based curricula to choose from, in order to ensure that the child will make optimal progress in reading, writing and math.
There is a four to one (4:1) student to teacher ratio for elementary and middle school classes. Providence has multiple curriculums to choose from. Direct, research based reading, math and writing instruction is individualized based on the child's skill level and cognitive profiles. Within grades 9-12 there is a ratio of 8:1. High school students are involved in both direct, remedial instruction and online high school classes. There is also a school to work component, where students are actively involved in developing daily living and job skills. Time each month is spent off campus at a store or business learning job skills. Within the transition program students have access to teachers, counselors, language therapists and life coaches to help them succeed in college and/or at a job.
Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapies, and Psychologists are part of a clinical team that provides teacher and parent consultation services, as well as small group rotations. Speech and language activities, sensory motor breaks and social skills training are incorporated into the student’s day. Individual therapies are also available when necessary.
Parent communication and collaboration is a key to the student’s success at Providence Academy. Parents, teachers and administrators work together to create a cohesive team for the child.
Program Population
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 diagnoses of ADHD, PDD, High Functioning Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and Learning Disabilities, like Dyslexia.
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.
Students’ scores on a cognitive assessment will range between 80 and 140. Students cannot have an emotional disturbance as their primary diagnosis, or extreme behavior disorders. Behavior issues may be present, but can be modified when an appropriate educational environment is provided.
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