What type of School is Washington Academy?
Washington Academy is a preK-12 NJ State Approved private school for the disabled. All students that attend Washington Academy have an IEP which outlines the specific academic program that the student will receive while at the school.
All students that attend Washington Academy receive academic support that accelerates their academic performance in the classroom, in addition to social and emotional supports.
What differentiates Washington Academy from other Private Schools?
Washington Academy prides itself on providing a high quality academic program, while addressing and modifying behavioral challenges that prevent and disrupt the student’s ability to learn and make academic progress. We can achieve all of this because we offer one of the lowest student to teacher ratios, as low as 3:1, depending on grade level. Washington Academy has more than one teacher per room, which enables each student to receive both small group instruction and one on one time with each teacher. This personalized academic approach allows each student to thrive both academically and behaviorally in school.
In order for students to excel in school, parents are an important part of the team-effort. Washington Academy teaches our students how to identify choices within a situation and then how to make good choices to avoid negative consequences. Utilizing a PBS (Positive Behavior Support) system, students over time begin to make appropriate decisions and become confident and successful students.
What does it cost to go to Washington Academy?
All tuition and fees for extraordinary services are paid for monthly by the local school district. Parents are not responsible for any of the costs associated with educating their child. It is the sole responsibility under FAPE, a free and appropriate public education.
Is Technology a part of the Washington Academy Experience?
Yes. Students at Washington Academy are exposed to a wide array of technological devices and software. For an overview of Technology in the Classroom – Click Here.
Where do students come from that attend Washington Academy?
Washington Academy serves most of North New Jersey, including Essex, Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Morris, Sussex, Warren, Union and Middlesex Counties.
What if I don’t know if my town will send to Washington Academy?
It is a generally accepted rule that children can attend Washington Academy, if they live within one (1) hour bus ride to and from school. Discuss Washington Academy with your child study case manager, if you feel your child would benefit from the program.
Is there transportation to Washington Academy?
Transportation is provided by the resident school district. All students receive door-to-door bus service to and from school. For more information: Transportation
What are the hours of Washington Academy?
Washington Academy’s school day begins at 8:20 am and students are dismissed at 2:00 pm.
Can my child still participate in public school extracurricular activities?
Yes. All students that attend Washington Academy are still eligible to participate in all public school extracurricular activities, such as clubs, athletics, the prom and graduation.
In order to ensure that all Washington Academy have an opportunity to be included in a least restrictive environment while still attending an out-of-district placement, our school day ends at 2:00pm, which allows our students to fully participate with nondisabled children in non-academic and extracurricular services and activities.
Can my child graduate from Washington Academy?
All students that attend Washington Academy are still considered public school students that are in an out-of-district placement. Therefore all graduating seniors will receive a high school diploma from their resident school district. Washington Academy will present all graduating seniors with a certificate of completion at our Annual Awards Ceremony. They also have the option of attending their public school graduation.
What is the Environmental Studies program?
Every year, Washington Academy takes a select group of students to experience a Science class in environmental studies at a nearby camping site. The science field trip offers students the opportunity to sleep overnight at a camp and experience the environment first-hand. It is one of the most popular events at Washington Academy every year and students look forward to participating in this activity. Environmental Studies Photo Gallery
What if my student is struggling with reading?
Washington Academy has a comprehensive and specialized reading program for students who are struggling in reading. Washington Academy has developed a strong reputation throughout the State for its unique and successful reading program.
Students enrolled in this program are exposed to individual and small group instruction in the foundations of literacy, the building blocks of reading, comprehension and critical thinking. The reading program uses both teacher-to-student interaction as well as web-based assessment to track progress over the course of the year.
Many of our students over the years have started the reading program with limited reading skills and have by the time they left Washington Academy were confident and stronger readers.
Also students that have entered the reading program have seen improvement in other academic subjects as a result. We conduct an assessment at the end of the year to determine what areas should be covered either during ESY or the following year.
How will Washington Academy deal with behavior management?
Washington Academy has been successful over thirty years in positively modifying negative and inappropriate behaviors of students into appropriate decision makers in various situations. Many students have transitioned back to in-district programs, such as inclusion classrooms, and resource room. Our staff implement a behavior program that is psychologically researched based, known as Positive Behavior Support. For More Information Check Out: PBIS.org
What is my responsibility as a parent if my child goes to Washington Academy?
Washington Academy welcomes parent input and feedback regarding their child’s progress at the school. Teachers will at a minimum send home behavior sheets indicating how your child is doing in the classroom. Depending on grade level those sheets will be sent home daily and/or weekly. Students make more progress in school when there are consistent rules and consequences enforced at home. Washington Academy believes that helping each child succeed in both school and life is a team effort.