Summit Academy

We employ a unique team approach that includes special education teachers, speech-language professionals, and other specialized providers working together to help each preschool child acquire the language, social, physical, and academic skills necessary for transition to kindergarten classrooms in special education or general education settings. We employ methods based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) and carefully monitor every student’s progress to help ensure success. Summit Academy offers both full- and half-day programs depending on a child’s needs.

In addition to our traditional special education classroom, our school provides the opportunity for integrated programs when appropriate.

Integrated Preschool Program

Summit Academy operates an integrated preschool program that serves children with and without developmental disabilities. This allows children with developmental disabilities to play and learn together with typically developing children from our Discovery Kids Child Care Center. As a result, students with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to absorb important language and social interaction skills given support from their special education team. The program blends the best practices of early childhood education and special education so that all children maximally benefit from the experience.

Throughout Summit Academy’s school-age program, small groups of six, eight, or 12 students work in classrooms with a dedicated team of professionals. These teams include a special education teacher, instructional assistants and aides, behavior support team members, related services including speech, occupational, physical therapists, and unit supervisors. Each Summit Academy professional has a specialized set of skills that is implemented within the framework of applied behavior analysis and has a clear goal to provide a consistent, structured and nurturing environment. This allows us to build the skills and confidence of each student while challenging academic, social, and functional growth.

Summit Academy provides a variety of programs that work in conjunction with parents to develop domestic and self-help skills and to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning. All staff at Summit Academy from each of the professional disciplines provide evidence-based assessment and intervention procedures. Intensive supports, including functional analysis and intervention development, are available for students who display severe problem behaviors. Implementation of all procedures, as well as the students’ progress, are monitored and reviewed regularly.

All classrooms at Summit Academy follow a schedule that includes opportunities for academics, daily living skills, and leisure. Academics and related services may be delivered in highly-structured situations with a rich ratio of staff to students or in a naturalistic or generalized situation, depending on the needs of the students. All students also have the opportunity to access technology, art, music, adapted physical education, and our fitness center. Our on-site nursing staff are available to deliver, communicate with parents/caregivers, and track related medical information.

Students ages 14 – 21 need the opportunity to practice activities for real-world daily living, thus fostering greater independence and community inclusion. Summit Academy has established unique home and work environments expressly for this purpose. Our daily life skills program focuses on the development of functional academics, leisure, domestic, and self-help skills in a simulated home environment at school. For example, students might practice functional academics by preparing a budget, or further develop their domestic skills by preparing a favorite food. Our goal for all students is to help them achieve the greatest possible level of independence.

The Summit Academy Paddock Vocational Training Center provides students with disabilities the opportunity to learn the skills needed to become a productive member of the community. Our highly qualified team of special education teachers, job coaches, and related professionals work together to ensure that each student’s skills are well-aligned with the needs of the business. When they are ready, our students benefit from 1:1 instruction and on-site training, and the business benefits from the student’s desire to learn while using this cost-effective solution. All services are provided at no cost to the business and result in tremendous learning and training opportunities for students.

Students (ages 14-21) in the Summit Academy Paddock Vocational Training Center  program have many strengths and take great pride in their work. They are eager to learn and enjoy the opportunity to work as part of their educational program.