Curriculum

Our Curriculum

The Academy’s highly individualized and hands on curriculum addresses the specific needs of each student and is based on the current research and best practices in the field. All class work and educational activities are modified to accommodate individual student needs. Teaching strategies and reinforcement methodologies are reviewed on an ongoing basis to maximize each student’s success.

A core component of the school’s curriculum focuses on independent and semi-independent living skills training. Students are prepared to develop the communicative, daily living and job readiness skills required to function as independently as possible. These skills are taught in the school setting as well as through community-based instruction. Likewise, the Academy provides quality opportunities for exploration and community experience through fieldtrips to museums, parks, restaurants, shopping centers, cultural events and more.

The Damar Academy curriculum includes:

• Individualized instruction in small classes with high staff to student ratio
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Behavior intervention development and implementation
• Functional life skills curriculum
• Academic skills development
• Communicative skills development including speech and language therapy, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and total communication programs
• Vocational training
• Occupational therapy
• Art and music programs
• Health and physical education
• Parent support and education groups
• Mental health and counseling services