HIGH POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

For students ages 5 through 12 experiencing emotional or behavioral disorders, High Point Elementary School provides a comprehensive educational and therapeutic program.

Every staff member treats each child with respect and dignity, recognizing the individuality of every student we serve. Teachers, parents and members of the student’s sending child study team work together to establish an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each student. Academic content is based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and focuses on reading, mathematics and language arts. Social studies and science are taught also, and a variety of enrichment classes fill out the schedule and include:

  • Art classes
  • Music
  • Health
  • Computer skills and more
  • Physical education (including swimming & gymnastics)

A certified Teacher of the Handicapped heads each classroom. Staffing the classroom with Teaching Assistants in addition to the classroom teacher enables concentration on academic tasks as well as attention to students' behavioral needs; a 1:3 staffing ratio is provided.

The primary focus in the classroom is the teaching of Reading, Mathematics and Language Arts, which are taught in small groups. If a student has a specific learning need, the classroom teacher selects a program designed to meet that need. Otherwise, conventional materials typical of those found in local schools are used for instruction. Science and Social Studies are also introduced, and an annual Science Fair is held.

An Enrichment Program which fosters higher-level thinking skills as well as creative thinking is scheduled weekly for all classes. Art instruction, with emphasis on developing fine motor skills and an understanding of artistic methods is also offered weekly. Physical Education, including swimming at the local YMCA and gymnastics, is offered three times weekly. Music instruction and Health instruction are conducted in the classroom setting while, computer skills are taught in small groups.

The classroom is designed to provide an atmosphere conducive to the academic, social and emotional growth of the students. Behavior modification systems are an integral part of the classroom management, and social interactional skills are emphasized.

HIGH POINT ADOLESCENT SCHOOL

Programs at our adolescent school are designed for students ages 12 to 21 whose emotional, behavioral, communication and learning problems prevent them from participating in traditional programs. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is written for each student, and educational courses are based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards.

Students enjoy a rich and varied adolescent school experience that prepares them for a productive adult life. The school offers students the benefits of a self-contained classroom as well as the opportunity to participate in a wide range of prevocational and enrichment programs:

  • Computer Training
  • Jobs/Production and Assembly
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Home Economics
  • Photography and Darkroom
  • Carpentry
  • Food Service
  • Horticulture
  • And more!

Students are assigned to classrooms based on their social and academic ability levels. A Teacher of the Handicapped and Teaching Assistants are in each classroom. A 1:3 staffing ratio is provided throughout the school. Educational programs are developed for each student and implemented individually and in classroom groups. Students participate in a wide variety of on-campus and off-campus experiences that teach appropriate social and behavioral skills. Students are scheduled for these activities based on their ability levels and interest in these areas.

Additionally, a wide variety of prevocational programs are available to students of all abilities. Students first participate in classroom projects (profit sharing), then progress to school jobs (program payroll) and graduate to shared-time vocational training, if appropriate.