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Programs
Woodhouse Academy is a CT state-approved special education program. Daily activities and interactions become learning opportunities for the students. They develop skills needed for future success in education and employment, learn ways to have successful relationships, enjoy recreational life, and build a solid foundation for stable and healthy development.
Goals and Approach
Woodhouse Academy uses an educator team model that seamlessly integrates the core goals of our program:
- Social Skills Development
- Academic Competence
- Executive Functioning strategies
- Emotional Growth
The Academy approach includes:
Seamless integration of therapeutic/educational process
- Discussion and dialogue
- Collaborative problem solving
- Comprehensive understanding of student needs
- Respect for individuals and the community process
- Highly structured environment with clear expectations
Academics
The academic program includes middle and high school core courses as well as electives. High school courses meet credit requirements for graduation and diploma.
The Academy has also offered options that enhance its curriculum. These options have included:
Transition Services
The Academy transition approach is individualized and student centered .
The Academy services provide an array of activities, courses, direct support, planning and collaboration (with the student, parents, school districts, private high schools and colleges) to address individual transition needs .
Depending upon the age, grade-level and preparation of a student, a primary objective is to help students return to public schools settings.
The primary transition focus has been helping students develop skills for success when they transition to public or private schools as well as post-secondary work and education .
Our students have transitioned to both public and private schools. Our graduates and former students have been accepted to the following colleges:
- Mitchell College (CT
- Landmark College (NH)
- University of New Haven (CT)
- School of Visual Arts (NYC)
- Bay Path College (MA)
- College Living Experience (FL)
Assistive Technology
The Academy computer software support for individual learning needs (reading, writing and organization) may include sophisticated Assistive Technology programs (Dragon Speak, Kurzwell, Inspiration).
Social Skills
All students are required to take the Community Seminar. This course is designed to teach specific social, communication, interaction and self-advocacy skills. It provides opportunities for the students to practice these skills and experience social success. The students' work in this course is woven into the academic and recreation programs.
Art
The multi-faceted Art program focuses on the development of a personal artistic vision through project-oriented instruction and creative expression. Portfolio development is available for advanced students.
Art work has been displayed at local galleries with students receiving Certificates of Achievement.
Recreation
Woodhouse Academy offers social interaction through recreation The purpose of these planned activities is to provide healthy recreation and opportunities for social skill practice and development. Our educators supervise the students at the Academy for the purpose of monitoring and teaching appropriate interpersonal skills in the moment .
After school recreation includes board games, ping-pong, movies, music, chess, physical exercise, kite flying, wiffleball, basketball, frisbee, etc.
Our educators not only lead these activities but are actively involved in modeling successful interpersonal skills.
Community Celebrations
Frequently, Woodhouse Academy invites guests who engage the students in community entertainment.
The activities and presentations have included Birds of Prey, Seeing-Eye dog training, Ham radio operation, African drumming, Australian didgeridoo, nationally-known author (Da Chen), world master paper-cutter, music groups, magic presentations and other kinds of entertainment.
Community Building Meeting
Each morning the day begins with a student-faculty meeting designed to develop community participation and discussion skills.
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