K- Age 21 School Program

Students with autism and/or emotional/behavioral challenges in Kindergarten through 5^th grade learn how to apply academic, social and functioning skills necessary for future academic and school success. Each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) guides their specially designed instruction and areas of focus at the elementary level. 

These young students in K - 5 learn academics, wellness and the creative arts. for a full description of what subjects and topics are covered in this program, check out the Elementary Program K-5 Chart.

Middle school students, grades 6 through 8, experience a myriad of changes physically, socially and emotionally as they enter adolescence. Programming at this level is designed to allow students with emotional/behavioral challenges and/or autism to learn more about themselves, gain greater independence, take on more responsibility and decision-making and begin thinking about the person they want to be.

The Middle School students learn in the same areas as all of our students: academics, wellness and the creative arts. Their learning becomes more in-depth as the prepare to head to the high school level and/or begin to prepare for independency and becoming a member of the community. For a full description of what this program covers, check out the Middle School Program 6-8th Chart.

In our grades 9 – 12/age 21, students with emotional/behavioral challenges and/or autism begin focusing on their goals for life after high school.  Academic and social content of each student’s program focuses on the skills necessary for success after high school. Students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP), and more specifically the Transition Plan of the IEP, identifies the student’s goals in the areas of:

• Postsecondary Education
• Independent Living
• Jobs and Employment

Course work, specially designed instruction and extra-curricular activities are selected to help each student achieve his/her goals.

The high school program begins to specially prepare the students for life after school by providing them with academics, career education, autistic support, life skills and wellness. Check out the High School Program 9-12th Chart for a more detailed description.

In the 2021-22 school year, the LEAF program began for 18-21-year-old adults with disabilities to develop, expand and apply the skills necessary for gaining independence and/or employment within the community. Students in the leaf program benefit from assessment and skill development in the following areas: 

• Workplace Skills & Attitudes
• Responsibility - Soft Skills
• Technology/Computer Skills
• Basic Academic Skills
• Habits of Wellness
• Planning for Success
• Interacting with Others

Assessment and progress monitoring of these areas guide the ongoing development of the IEP Transition Plan.

Young adult students in Pace School’s LEAF program have access to an instructional 
center, work skills training room, and a space to strengthen adult and daily
living skills. 

The daily schedule and routine includes a specially tailored program of instruction and/or activities focusing on each student’s assessed strengths and needs. Learning activities include:

• Self-Advocacy
• Job & Career Exploration
• Workplace Readiness
• Work Based Learning & Skills Training
• Post-secondary Training
• Community Work 
• Academics
• Technology/Computer Learning
• Social/Emotional Learning
• Daily Living Skills
   

On-site training tailors learning experiences to students’ preferences and interests allowing them to develop skills, identify strengths, and increase readiness to work. Hands-on training is explored by each student through a multi-tiered program that focuses on the following areas:

• Clerical
• Assembly
• Inventory-supply-delivery
• Retail-grocery
• Janitorial

The LEAF program builds skills deemed essential for workplace success. Partnerships within the community allow students to learn skills necessary for the  real world setting. Our community business partners work with LEAF students to provide training, assistance and feedback.

OTHER CONNECTIONS AND SUPPORTS:

A School Counselor and Social Worker assist families and students with interagency connections necessary for life after Pace. These services may include:

• Supports Coordinators
• Post-secondary Programs
• Residential Programs
• Office of Vocational  Rehabilitation Services (OVR)