Middle School
Our Middle School evolved in response to society’s urgent need to do a better job of preparing our special youth for adult life. Based on the simple but radical principle that all children can learn, the Middle School enables youngsters to develop the self-esteem and skills essential to build a solid foundation for our High School Regents & RCT curriculums. Initiated in 1991, Middle School Prep was created for students aged 12 through 14 years.
Five classes (each with a low student/teacher ratio of 12:1:1) are geared to:
- Provide an intensive, individualized remediation/acceleration program in areas of reading and math, as needed
- Develop written and oral expressive capabilities
- Implement the standard New York State 7th & 8th Grade curricula in all subject areas, in a manner reflecting the student’s learning style and needs
- Cultivate age-appropriate study skills and habits
- Identify and address those emotional issues which will foster each student’s academic growth and social adjustment
- Increase each student’s understanding of his/her strengths and weaknesses, and develop the ability to communicate learning-related needs in his/her next educational placement.
Middle School focuses on unlocking each student’s full potential that has been obscured by anxiety, low self-esteem and/or behavioral difficulties. Emphasis is placed on the development of a motivating curriculum. Students are evaluated and grouped in major academic areas according to their functioning level. Content subjects are taught by dedicated teachers with Masters Degrees who provide youngsters with in-depth exploration and immersion. Special programs throughout the year enrich our youngsters’ school experience and make learning more hands-on.
Related services are provided to students on an individual and group basis as needs mandate. These include psychological counseling , speech & language therapy , and occupational therapy. However, we go one step further.
Through alternative programs such as Freedom Program and the June Play, our adolescent students are provided opportunities to pursue talents and function with increasing social success. The Dinner Party Project, sponsored by Spoons Across America, is a unique culinary experience that incorporates valuable life lessons and engages all of the senses to reach the whole child. The program teaches cooking, healthy eating, etiquette and the importance of sharing meals with family. Coastal Classroom, sponsored by City Parks Foundation, is a workshop focused on river ecology, water quality and urban waterfront restoration. Students wade into the East River to take water and soil samples and examine marine life. Our organic garden allows students to really get their hands dirty as they nurture vegetables and herbs from soil prepartion to harvest. The garden sells its harvest to our High School Restaurant Elective students.
All participants in the child’s education: student, parents, teachers and therapists are provided with problem-solving techniques. A partnership emerges, enabling each student not only to meet the academic and emotional challenges of each day, but to make the long-term commitment to strive for success.
