Philosophy

The Child School/Legacy High School is an academically rigorous, yet supportive community addressing the needs of a diverse population of special children, many of whom have failed in other schools. Our children have learning disabilities that manifest themselves as disorders in thinking, listening, speaking, reading, spelling, perceptual handicaps, dyslexia, developmental aphasia, etc. They are not learning disabled because of impaired vision or hearing, nor do they have gross motor handicaps.

The Child School’s goal is for each child to perform to his/her maximum potential. To realize this goal, we embrace the total child, in the belief that their self-image, motivation and ability to interact are critical to their ultimate success.

Our structured, family-like atmosphere is designed to develop each child’s self-concept, not only through an understanding of his or her disability, but by exploring strengths, identifying talents, and heightening self-awareness through interaction with others.

This expanded focus is reflected in our educational methods, therapeutic techniques and daily routines. Within the classroom, lessons reflect not only the child’s learning style but also his or her personality and interests. Daily routines are sculpted to maximize socialization in and out of the classroom, improve relationships with authority and to develop problem-solving and self-evaluative skills. Finally, our team of educators works enthusiastically to develop each child’s special talents academic and otherwise.

The experience created is intense and demanding for our children, their families, and our staff. Our faculty, who possess Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and/or Advanced Certificates, includes head teachers certified in special education, teacher assistants, reading, math, social studies, science, computer and learning disability specialists, adaptive physical education teachers, music teachers, art teachers, psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. Our faculty is called upon to reach beyond theoretical knowledge to develop an understanding of themselves and their personal relationship with each individual child. We expect families to be willing and available to meet with staff at Report Card Conferences and Specialists’ Days. At these Conferences we share techniques we have discovered to be effective with our youngsters. When appropriate, we work with the family to help family members learn and adopt these techniques, so that the youngster is assured of a consistent approach to his/her development and remediation. Parents are encouraged to stay in contact with the school so as to maintain open and easy communication regarding issues related to their child.