Methodology | Program Features | Summer Programs

CURRICULUM

The curriculum is individualized to meet each students intellectual achievement, social, emotional, physical and management needs. Every student, grades 8-12, is exposed to the NYS curriculum and sits for all grade appropriate NYS assessment testing.

The IEP is developed in coordination with the students home school district and the Committee On Special Education

The curriculum is geared towards the students' strengths using multi-sensory techniques including educational videos, CD-ROMs and books on tape.

The Social Skills Curriculum includes: social stories, role playing, social scripting and effective communication.

Educational field trips are offered to supplement the curriculum

Tests, quizzes, portfolios and curriculum based tools are used to evaluate academic performance.

Students receive instruction in music, art, physical education and foreign language.

Transition Program - Vocational Skills Training, Work Tours, Employment Classes, Community Access Training, Transportation Management Strategies, College Planning

Opportunities are available for students to be intergrated with our Montessori students in grades K-6.

TRANSITION PLANNING

Gersh Academy offers students in grades 6 - 12 the opportunity to participate in a transition / vocational planning program. This program is designed to support students in a professional manner and give them the tools they need to live an independent life.

The vocational team has created a unique curriculum that exposes the students to a variety of career options and life skill exercises. Each year local businesses work directly with the program to provide month long units that appeal to the students' career interests. Work Tours range from working a local deli assisting with lunch orders to the behind the scenes efforts at an architectural firm to weekly fishing trips on a private boat to teach students about navigating the open sea. Additional trips include horse therapy at a working farm, touring Computer Associates to stocking the shelves at a local clothing store. The goal of the program is to provide a variety of options that meet the needs of the student and spark a creative interest in a career.

Additionally, life skills goals involve taking weekly trips to guide the student sin developing their independent living skills. Creative methods such as a scavenger hunt teach students how to manage shopping in a mall or a grocery store as well as how to manage money. Other life skills incorporate hygiene management.

CLASS SIZE / RATIO

Students receive personalized attention due to small student to teacher ratios. There are up to six students in grades K - 5 and up to eight students in grades 6 - 12. ( All classes are taught by a certified special education teacher).

SERVICES OFFERED

Available on site:
Speech / Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Counseling. Physical Therapy, Music Therapy, Resource Room and Social Skills Training.

1:1 aides are available and trained on a weekly basis. Parent support groups are offered twice a month.

TRAINING

It is required that all staff members participate in weekly training sessions. The staff receives intensive training on autism spectrum disorders and applied behavioral analysis.

Parent Support / Training groups are offered twice a month throughout the school year. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

STAFF

Certified Special Education Teachers

Certified School Psychologist

Licensed Speech / Language Therapist

Certified Occupational Therapist

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Certified Physical Therapist

Certified Music Therapy

Teacher Assistants / 1:1 Aides

Consulting Psychiatrist

Social Worker

School Counselor