Specializing in education for students on the spectrum.
Curriculum
Our educational program is appropriately rigorous and enriched in a manner specifically differentiated for autistic learners.
IA’s curriculum is expressly designed to meet the special needs of students with autism. We support the intellectual growth, habit formation and life skills development of every child in our program. Our curriculum aims to provide a solid foundation for further study, and enables students to function as autonomous learners. We cultivate our students to think critically, communicate effectively, and value the diverse viewpoints, heritages and experiences of others.
Our talented educators apply a multisensory teaching approach, emphasizing hands-on learning, project-based lessons and precision instruction. Core concepts are taught in a unique and engaging manner as our students work towards a fully-accredited high school diploma. Daily core instruction includes history, language arts, mathematics and science, while enrichment classes—like art, music, computer technology, physical education, transition planning and Spanish—meet one to three periods per week. Students are also welcome to participate in a variety of after-school activities hosted by IA faculty and staff.
Another cornerstone of our robust program is students learning to develop individual responsibility, and finding balance between reliance on adults for guidance and limits, and independence. IA’s focus on exceptional academics is accompanied by our philosophy that personal, social and emotional skills be woven into our curriculum as an intrinsic part of every student’s success.
For children with learning and thinking differences enrolled in a private school like IA, it’s important to understand how their special needs will be met.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLAN
used in public schools
An Individualized Educational Plan, or IEP, documents the services required to meet a student’s needs. The Individual with Disabilities Education Act, also known as IDEA, governs services provided to students with disabilities who attend public school. School districts must follow established procedures to identify and evaluate students who are suspected of having a disability.
An IEP is a public school document and may be used when converting to a service plan for parentally-placed private school students.
INDIVIDUAL SERVICE PLAN
used in private schools
An Individual Service Plan, or ISP, is developed and implemented to the extent appropriate for each student with a disability attending a private school who has been designated to receive special education and related services offered by the school. The ISP must be developed by a team and reviewed at least annually.
Children with disabilities enrolled in public schools are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education, or FAPE, and must receive the full range of services under IDEA Part B that are necessary to meet the child’s individual needs through a developed IEP.
ISPs are limited and only provide the services determined by the school. Parentally-placed private school students are not entitled to FAPE.
Diplomas
As a state-accredited school, ninth to twelfth grade students who attend IA may choose to work toward one of three diplomas:
General Diploma
Core 40 Diploma
Core 40 Honors Diploma
