The Secondary Program offers students of all abilities an academic journey that challenges and excites them, as well as the social encounters, independent living and vocational readiness skills that promote their successful transition to adulthood.
Designed for high school students ages 14 through 22, our program offers individual and group instruction with the goals of developing organizational, reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From a high school-level geometry course to household management and job-seeking strategies, we provide the skills and know-how for every one of our young adults to develop his or her potential to be a happy, contributing member of the community.
- A traditional graded, accredited four- to five-year program leading to a high school diploma with additional course work in the Expanded Core Curriculum
- An individualized four- to six-year non-graded program that incorporates the Expanded Core Curriculum and leads to a certificate of accomplishment
- One- to two-year programs that focus on Expanded Core Curriculum areas to help students who have completed high school to prepare for higher education, independent living or a job
Academics and life skills both have an important place in the Secondary Program curriculum. Instruction, which incorporates the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, is designed to teach academics such as reading, writing, math and science, as well as compensatory skills such as assistive technology and braille. We focus on skills such as communication, self-advocacy and problem solving to increase each student's participation in the community as an involved, civic-minded individual.
Our offerings also include physical education, music and art. Students may also participate in after-school study halls, team sports and other extracurricular activities. Students who plan to attend college frequently enroll in a course at a local community college to experience learning in larger groups and additional challenges.
Daily living skills are emphasized in all programs, and students are encouraged to develop as much independence as possible. Instruction addresses basic skills as well as menu and food preparation, shopping, housekeeping, orientation and mobility, the use of community resources and other skills necessary for adult living.
The majority of Secondary Program students live on campus, which enhances the development of self-determination and self-esteem in addition to friendships and social skills. Partial residential status is also available and can include one to two overnights per week to practice skills as part of a functional routine. Different levels of responsibility are offered as students progress through the various residences.
Specially trained staff
Our educators work as part of a passionate, interdisciplinary team of related services staff to provide a multitude of services, including:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Music therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Orientation and mobility
- Adapted physical education
- Individual and group counseling
- Visual efficiency training
- Sensory integration programs
- Therapeutic feeding programs
- Social skills development
- Case management
- Residential services