Academic Programs

Elementary School (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)

The Elementary School curriculum includes: language arts, math, science and social studies, physical education, art, music and coding.

A primary goal is to introduce and build a strong academic foundation which includes compensatory and executive functioning skills related to organization, time management, and planning.

Elementary Program Includes:

• Grades K - 5
• 6 - 8 students per class with a teacher and an aide
• Self-contained classes through fourth grade
• Fifth grade transitions between two teachers as practice for middle school
• Classes are grouped by academic and social abilities, age and maturation. After a settling in period, placements are reviewed and changes are made if indicated and to ensure maximum compatibility.
• S.T.E.M. activities that challenge the imagination are a vibrant part of campus life.
• Drop off is Monday through Thursday at 8:20 a.m. 
• Pick-up is Monday through Thursday at 3:00 p.m. 
• Friday pick-up is at 1:45 p.m. 

Middle School Program (6th – 8th Grade)

Similar to the elementary school, the middle school curriculum includes language arts, math, science and social studies, physical education, art, music and coding. Classrooms are also equipped with large interactive white boards and individual laptops. 

As the students progress, the primary goals shift from foundational learning to “learning to learn”, self-advocacy, independence and higher level executive functioning. Additional classes are held on topics such as Social Skills and Advocacy. These are a lifelong skills and essential tools for students with learning differences and their ability to transition to more traditional schools.

Middle School Program Includes:

• Grades 6 - 8
• 8 students per class
• Students transition from class to class
• Classes are grouped based on academic and social abilities as well as age and maturation. After a settling in period at the start of the school, placements are reviewed and changes made if indicated to ensure maximum compatibility.
• Friday’s schedule incorporates clubs which are part of our Positive Reinforcement System.
• S.T.E.M. creative activities include spontaneous problem solving.
• School hours are: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 to 2:15 p.m.

High School Program

The Crossroads High School serves students who require a nurturing but structured environment for their secondary academic career. We provide remedial, basic and college preparatory courses.  High school students will graduate with either a Foundations High School Diploma or a Distinguished High School Diploma. High school course work can be modified to meet the needs of students seeking the Foundations diploma in order to prepare for community college. Students who are preparing for a four year university will be provided with accommodations in order to level the playing field for advanced course work.

Twice Exceptional Program (2E)

Twice Exceptional children are both gifted and have a learning difference.  While all Crossroads students are taught in a stimulating and engaging manner, the twice exceptional student requires teaching that is more complex and specialized. The Crossroads School’s 2E program is an overlay program in which the student is kept in their social peer group but whose individualized curriculum is developed and taught in a manner specific to the 2E child.

The 2E teaching promotes:

• Intellectually complex thinking such as the linking of multiple disciplines and intellectual areas.
• Higher level thinking skills which require analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application of basic information.
• The expansion of subject matter to allow for broader and deeper learning.
• The possibility of advancing one or more grade levels and/or achieving early high school credits courses.
• Creativity

Adjunct Programs

Social Development Program

Students with learning difficulties often have some associated social and organizational difficulties. At Crossroads School we directly address these issues in the classroom and all nonacademic times. We do so in multiple ways ranging from direct teaching of skills to modeling and role playing. In addition, a positive reinforcement system is used throughout the school and throughout the day.  This programming focuses on helping students to develop the skills necessary to overcome social and organizational challenges and prepare them for successful functioning beyond Crossroads.

These include:

• Increasing engagement and motivation
• Fostering independence, self-efficacy and confidence.
• Supporting identity development
• Developing and enhancing leadership and self-advocacy skills
• Enhancing executive functioning
• Promoting appropriate social interactions
• Friday Night Live: FNL is a twice a semester social gathering for students in grades 5 through 10 that is organized by the Director of Social Development and faculty.  FNL is an opportunity for students to get together, eat, play, and engage in activities that promote appropriate social interaction.  

Transition Planning

A primary goal of the Crossroads mission is to prepare students to successfully transition to a more traditional school. Readiness to transition can occur at natural break points like the end of elementary or end of middle school, or when a student’s family and teachers believe that the student is academically and socially ready. Most students are ready to transition within two to five years of attendance at Crossroads. Approximately 90% of our “graduating” students eventually attend private schools. We take great pride in knowing that our students are consistently well received by other schools and that they have a history of moving on to college and productive careers.

Enrichment and After School Activities

Enrichment classes are offered after school and throughout the school year. Extra fees apply. Current activities are:

Study Skills:  An opportunity for students to reinforce concepts presented in the the general classroom while strengthening study habits and learning strategies. 

Arts and Drama: Incorporating both art and drama, students write, produce and present original plays and works of art.

Sports and Gross Motor Skills: Through examples and challenges, students enjoy playing sports and working on gross motor skills.

Keyboarding/Coding: A fun and exciting way for students to develop computing knowledge, become proficient on the keyboard and learn the correct finger placement. 

Tutoring

Tutoring is provided on a one-to-one basis or in a group and is designed for students who require additional assistance in basic skills. Special tutoring arrangements may be made by contacting the school office.