ACADEMY OF ST LOUIS

The Academy of St. Louis students gain the emotional, academic and life skills needed to transition into a successful, productive, healthy, happy young adult. Academy students are availed an individualized curriculum tailored to their specific learning style in all five transition areas. This includes education, Independent Living, Work, Leisure and Community Involvement. A collaborative effort among the student's transition team begins at enrollment with surveys given to the student and parent. All aspects of our program are designed to maximize success in transitioning from the Academy into post-secondary adulthood.

Strategies are developed by the Academy transition team beginning with enrollment with an Interest Survey given to the student and a Long-Term Transition Survey given to both the student and parent. Testing is completed by students to determine the level of ability, areas of strengths and challenges within each Transition area. Transition goals are defined including rubrics to meet each goal in the following areas: Education (Academics), Independent Living, Work, Leisure and Community Involvement. Goals are then established within each area of transition. Transition goals are measured every three weeks by a member of the Transition Team and are reviewed with student and parents every 8-10 weeks.

The Academy's Budget and Annual Plan reflects our commitment to excellence in teaching the area of special education. Our teachers are trained and mentored in a specific behavioral model conducive to students who have been diagnosed with one or more learning disabilities. The Academy's low, 3:1 student to teacher ratio combined with it's small, relationship-based learning environment sets the stage for successful transition into a successful post-secondary experience for each student. With IQ's ranging from 50-130, the Academy strategically plans each student's personalized academic, social, and life skills curriculum to meet our goal of graduating happy, well-balanced, & productive young adults into their local communities.

95% of all students graduating from the Academy of St. Louis have successfully matriculated into post-secondary education. Many students have transitioned back to their home school after completing 2-3 years at the Academy. All students have secured part-time employment after graduation. Most importantly, while attending the Academy, students have found friendship for the first time, have been inspired by their peers and are looking towards a healthy, happy future.