Together we can help the special needs community!

Clare Woods Academy is a non-public, non-profit alternative day school providing a unique, specialized educational environment in a therapeutic day school setting. We are currently accepting applications for children and young adults ages 5 to 22. Our programming addresses learning and behavior disabilities. Many of our students are also on the Autism Spectrum. In addition to our education program, services include occupational therapy, speech/language and counseling. 

Read a welcome letter below from our Executive Director, Mr. John Utterback, and explore the sections below to learn more about the departments and goals of Clare Woods Academy.

 Our Primary Department consists of four cross-categorical classrooms. We provide an intensive program with individualized education determined by each student’s IEP. Paraprofessionals work with individual students or groups of students, engaging them in meeting individual goals.

Daily group activities center on calendar, weather activities, songs, stories, concepts, and character development. Students then work individually or in small groups, focusing on the core academics which include reading readiness, reading phonics, spelling, math and science. All academics are aligned with the Common Core Standards.

Our Intermediate Department consists of two cross-categorical classrooms. Our goals are to provide an intensive and individualized learning environment to meet IEP’s. The department consists of two educational tracks: one track prepares students for a more academic high school program, while the other more functionally prepares students for the vocational track. The intensive learning program for either track is achieved through core academics, related support services, detailed behavioral programs, community and job training experiences. Intermediate students have a transition plan as of the age of        14 1/2.  The outcomes and future IEP goals and services are driven by this transition plan.

Daily activities involve calendar, weather, character development, reading, spelling, phonics, language skills, math, science, social studies, handwriting and composition. A variety of research-based reading and math materials are utilized. The ultimate goal being that each student achieves the maximum degree of independence in each academic area.

Our High School Department consists of three cross-categorical classrooms. Our goals are to provide an intensive and individualized learning environment in which students are able to strengthen academic skills, enhance personal growth skills, and develop vocational skills. These skills help students transition into productive and capable adults who will have the ability to realize their maximum potential. This intensive learning program is achieved through a core academic program. These academics are supported with concentrated and encompassing support services, detailed behavioral programs, extra curricular activities, and a highly qualified faculty.

Instruction in the core subjects of reading, math, English, and spelling is done at an individualized level, based on the level at which the student is currently functioning.  Instruction is designed to meet the unique needs of each student. This allows them to strengthen skills in each core academic area with the ultimate goal being that each student achieves the maximum degree of independence.