EDUCATING STUDENTS FOR LIFE - Learning Prep School · Students at Learning Prep have complex...

11507 Washington Street West Newton, MA 02465

learningprep.org

FOR LIFEEDUCATING STUDENTS

2 LEARNING PREP SCHOOL 617-965-0764 learningprep.org

LEARNING PREP SCHOOL

“These kids are just like me.”

“I made a friend today.”

“I can’t wait to go to school tomorrow.”

These are just a few of the things parents hear from their Learning Prep School students. Some of these kids used to dread going to school. Others struggled to connect with their classmates. But at Learning Prep, they found a home.

That’s because Learning Prep is about far more than academics. This is a place to make friends. Explore interests. Build confidence. Develop life skills. Engage in school activities.

Individualized learning experiences help students achieve based on their unique needs. Our competent and dedicated teachers and counselors provide support and guidance. Opportunities for STEM engagement in our maker space, work study programs in the “real world,” and other hands-on tools help students pursue their interests and navigate life both now and after graduation.

At the end of the day, Learning Prep is a school where everyone is dedicated to helping your child fit in, be confident, and succeed—both inside and outside the classroom.

NURTURING SELF-CONFIDENCE. BUILDING SKILLS .

“Bret absolutely loves LPS. He knows he found a place where he is accepted

for who he is and has thrived—an experience he did not have with our former school.”

Christine H.


Enrollment: Approximately 200 students

Ages served: 8–22

Class size: Maximum ratio of 8:1 for academic classes

Support: Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling services, and assistive technology

Curriculum: Aligned with Massachusetts Frameworks / Common Core

School year: 180-day school year, Monday–Friday 7:53 AM–2:23 PM

Funding: Accepts publicly and privately funded families; tuition rate annually determined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Location: Conveniently located in West Newton, 9 miles west of Boston and just minutes from the Mass Pike and I-95, Learning Prep School serves students from more than 80 nearby communities.

AT A GLANCE

ACADEMICSLanguage-Based CurriculumSmall ClassesThinking MapsTM

ElectivesSummer Program

SUPPORT SERVICESCounseling ServicesSpeech TherapyOccupational TherapyWork StudyTransition Guidance

STUDENT SOCIAL LIFESocial PragmaticsStudent CouncilAthleticsAfter-School ProgramClubs and Activities

“Lauren loves going to LPS. She feels completely

accepted, in a caring and supportive environment.”

Amy B.


Addressing students’ language and learning challenges Since 1970, Learning Prep School has provided a safe and supportive learning environment for students with language and learning challenges. Learning Prep students are involved and engaged throughout the school day. From the moment our teachers and counselors greet them during morning arrival, and continuing throughout their day in small academic classrooms, our students experience a personalized level of attention from staff members who are well equipped to understand and meet their needs.

Learning Prep is committed to promoting academic achievement and social development by focusing on students’ social pragmatics and independent thinking. Our seasoned and committed staff provides the right combination of accommodations and opportunities to help each student progress toward reaching his or her personal potential.

Students at Learning Prep have complex learning profiles including dyslexia, anxiety, expressive/receptive language issues, autism spectrum disorder, limited social pragmatics, and executive functioning challenges. Our individualized, language-based approach and social coaching allow students to make significant gains and become confident learners.

Learning Prep students thrive in a safe environment of smaller classes, grouped by academic skill level, using direct teaching methods and individualized instruction. The integration of services in speech, counseling, and occupational therapy provides a uniquely collaborative approach among our staff, creating a well-rounded program that is appropriately responsive to each child’s academic growth and personal achievement.

Here, we:

facilitate caring, responsible faculty/student relationships;

promote gradual student independence; and

nurture students’ ability to understand their capacity for learning and learning style.

Caring and qualified facultyCompassionate educators are the hallmark of the Learning Prep School experience. Our talented and dedicated staff—with an average tenure of 9 years—is made up of certified teachers and licensed counselors, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and transition coaches who are all dedicated to providing a high-quality special education experience.


“My whole family sees a

big change in Jacob. His attitude

toward school is getting better and

his confidence is tremendous.”

Meredith F.


Developing skills for lifeLearning Prep School offers a holistic, integrated approach to education. With a special focus on students’ individual needs, we provide the following opportunities and benefits:

An innovative curriculum that incorporates language skills into all classes, subject areas, programs, and activities

Small classes that offer students the nurturing environment they need to build self-confidence and social skills

Certified teachers who collaborate with staff, including licensed counselors, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists

Counseling aimed at helping students acquire coping mechanisms, build independence, develop problem-solving and self-advocacy skills, and foster social development

Thinking Maps, a set of visual tools that help students think on their own, process information independently, and better communicate with teachers and classmates

Social communication programs that help students of all ages become more personally aware of social interactions

Extracurricular programs such as Student Council and yearbook that foster leadership, initiative, and passion

Extended Year Summer Program that runs for four weeks beginning in early July and enables students to remain engaged in academics throughout the summer

Work Study Program that offers practical on-the-job experiences so students can develop a positive attitude toward work and establish good work behaviors


Thinking Maps: A more visual way to learnSince 2002, Learning Prep School has been using a system of visual tools called Thinking Maps to teach students to think on their own and process information independently. After students become fluent in Thinking Maps, they’re able to apply multiple thinking skills to solve problems. Since we began employing this innovative software tool, we’ve seen impressive results:

Students and teachers are able to share a common language that improves communication and facilitates the learning process

Students develop a higher level of thinking while working on recall and comprehension skills—and enjoy a more positive attitude toward learning

By leveraging Thinking Maps, students gain an important tool that can help them succeed in the classroom, at home, and at work.

Fostering social skillsStudents at Learning Prep School benefit from our comprehensive approach to developing positive social skills through our use of the Social Thinking™ curriculum,* the ACT (Activate-Calm-Think) Program, and positive reinforcement. Students generally enjoy coming to school, set higher personal goals, and develop greater self-esteem over time, thanks to our well-trained staff who utilize these strategies daily throughout the school.

* Developed by speech-language pathologist Michelle Garcia Winner

“Felix has loved LPS!

He was happy coming

home every day, and

each Sunday night he was

looking forward to heading

back to school on Monday.”

Kristin K.


Resources for successFrom iPads in the elementary and middle schools to Google Chromebooks in the high school to technology tools in the Library Media Center, Learning Prep is dedicated to providing students with tools for unleashing creativity, honing problem-solving skills, and practicing the executive functioning capabilities required to bring ideas to life.

Extended Year Summer ProgramOur four-week summer program provides a supportive and structured learning environment for students in grades 3–12. In addition to receiving language and math instruction in small groups, students enjoy arts and crafts, games, and field trips. Running Monday through Thursday beginning in July, the Summer Program is designed to prevent regression and complement the school-year curriculum.

Counseling connectionsOur licensed counselors help students develop their social, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Working closely with academic staff, counselors meet weekly with students to help them develop and strengthen their skills and behaviors in the following areas:

Self-esteem

Social awareness

Self-advocacy

Friendship and social skills

Self-awareness

Pragmatic language

Independence

Organization

Disability awareness

Problem solving (including peer mediation)

Communication

Positive hygiene

Positive manners

Personal responsibility

Identification and expression of feelings

Coping with feelings appropriately

Self-regulation

Focus/attention


“Jon loves the more ‘mainstream’ feeling of LPS

compared to his previous school, especially the better-matched

peer group and the greater independence he has.”

Carol G.

Learning Prep events

Grandparents/Grandfriends Day Every fall, Learning Prep welcomes grandparents (and grandfriends) to experience a “day in the life” of their student at the always-popular Grandparents/Grandfriends Day. Guests enjoy a student-prepared breakfast, take student-guided tours, and attend presentations that highlight Learning Prep’s programs, spaces, and activities—allowing students to showcase their work for their proud grandparents/grandfriends.

Financial literacy fair At Learning Prep’s recently launched “Road to Real Life” financial literacy fair, students met with representatives from local financial institutions to learn about financial decision making. In preparation for this event, students worked with Learning Prep faculty to develop goals for their adult life, including career, housing, transportation, savings, and continued education—enabling them to understand how they can best prepare for their financial future.

Alumni eventAt the annual barbecue, graduates and faculty reunite, reconnect, and reminisce!

Parent BreakfastEvery fall, Learning Prep hosts a Parent Breakfast, which helps kick off the year with a warm welcome.

Spirit ProgramTo expand and enrich school culture and school spirit, Learning Prep has initiated the Blue & Green Spirit Program. Each student and staff member is part of the Blue team or the Green team and is given a corresponding “LPS: Proud of it! Part of it!” T-shirt.

On designated Blue & Green Days, students and staff engage in fun, friendly, and age-appropriate competitions and extracurricular activities that are designed to promote a healthy, vibrant, and respectful school culture.


From reading comprehension to writing proficiency, our elementary/middle school is dedicated to helping students refine their language and communication skills. In addition to our language arts program, which uses a structured, systematic curriculum for decoding and encoding, our reading comprehension program reflects an integrated model of literacy and offers opportunities for students to build their reading, writing, and listening skills. Beginning with simple sentences, students advance to produce highly structured compositions.

In addition to this intensive focus on communication, students also study social studies, science, and mathematics, using curricula aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Common Core Standards. Physical education, art, and computer skills classes round out our offerings, giving students a comprehensive, multifaceted education that provides them with the confidence they need to advance academically and socially.

Speech and language servicesOur licensed, board-certified speech-language pathologists work with students to address deficits that affect oral, written, and social language, as well as oral motor production, articulation, voice, and central auditory processing disorders. Learning Prep School speech-language pathologists meet with elementary and middle school students each week to address their individual goals.

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL


Outside the classroom

We go beyond the walls at LPS, providing

field experiences that help our students learn

more about their world. In the past, outings

have included visits to the Discovery Museum,

New England Aquarium, DeCordova Sculpture Park

and Museum, and West Newton Movie Theater.


Elementary school occupational therapy services From small group treatments to tabletop tasks to gross motor activities, our occupational therapists work with elementary students to address a variety of skills, including the following:

Fine motor skills—manipulating small objects, using scissors, pencil control, hand strength, and bilateral coordination

Visual perceptual skills—visual discrimination, visual memory, spatial relations, form constancy, sequential memory, figure ground, and visual closure

Visual motor integration skills—the use of visual perception and fine motor skills for writing, copying shapes, and completing various complex fine motor activities

Sensorimotor skills—postural control, shoulder stability, motor planning skills, body awareness, and ocular motor skills

Gross motor skills—strength, coordination, balance, eye-hand coordination, ball skills, and endurance

Middle school occupational therapy services In addition to taking on age-appropriate “jobs” around the school, such as basic cooking and clerical tasks, students work with our occupational therapists on improving their accommodations for sensory, motor, and visual perceptual limitations; advancing their executive functioning skills such as task initiation, organization, sequencing, and problem solving; and enhancing their self-esteem, social skill development, and self-awareness.


The core of Learning Prep High School is the literature / language arts program. By focusing on two frameworks—written expressive skill development and reading comprehension—students acquire the skills necessary to improve their oral and written expressive language, and confidence, across all subjects. In fact, a majority of our students pass the MCAS by the time they are ready to graduate.

By breaking down information into small, sequential steps, teachers also facilitate history, science, and mathematics education. With elective courses like technology and art as well as physical education and numerous extracurricular activities, students enjoy ample opportunities to cultivate their social skills and pursue their passions.

Our staff also includes counselors, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who are available, as needed, to support IEP goals.

Learning by doingAt Learning Prep School, we believe that hands-on learning provides students with the life skills and confidence they need in the classroom and beyond. To help students put their newfound skills into action, we offer a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including electives like Food Service or Childcare, where students can practice positive work behaviors within a school setting.

Work Study ProgramPrior to graduation, high school students participate in the Work Study Program, which combines classwork and pre-vocational work experiences outside a school setting. Paid and unpaid opportunities are available at a variety of organizations, including Ace Hardware, Boston College, the Massachusetts State House, the Newton Police Department, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Experiences are also offered in our Extended Year Summer Program.

Getting readyThroughout high school, students and their families work with our Transition Department to make progress toward their individual goals. 9th grade: Learning to become an independent learner and worker 10th grade: Exploring different occupations 11th grade: Identifying personal skills and interests 12th grade: Creating a post-high school plan

H IGH SCHOOL



Life after Learning PrepHere’s a sampling of where our 2017 graduates have landed.

HIGHER EDUCATIONWestfield State University

UMass Lowell

Curry College

Eastern Connecticut State University

North Shore Community College

Massasoit Community College

MassBay Community College

Lesley University Threshold Program

Landmark College

Beacon College

TRANSITION PROGRAMSGeorgetown High School Transition

Middlesex Transition Program

ACE Program at Cardinal Cushing

SEEM Collaborative

WORKFORCECVS Pharmacy

Bruegger’s Bagels

Ulta Beauty

Residence at Valley Farm

Normandy Farms

2017 Learning Prep School Graduate Outcomes

55%

COLLEGE PROGRAM

Four-year college: 25%

Community college: 38%

College for students with learning differences: 37%

17%

WORKFORCE OR INTERNSHIP

28%

TRANSITION PROGRAM


Take the next stepFor more than 45 years, Learning Prep School has helped students with language-based learning disabilities and related difficulties. Many of our students come to us after prior unsuccessful school experiences and may be working at two or more levels below their age or have social challenges. Here at Learning Prep School, we are uniquely positioned to help these students succeed—academically, socially, and professionally.

OPEN HOUSE

The best way to determine if Learning Prep may be right for your child is by visiting us and seeing classes in action.

2APPLICATION

Electronically submit the required application materials via the online portal, SchoolAdmin. The full list of required materials can be found at learningprep.org/admissions.

Once your application has been received, the Admission Committee will review it to determine whether Learning Prep can meet your child’s needs. After a review process of approximately 1–2 weeks, Admissions will contact you directly.

THE APPL ICATION PROCESS

OUR ADMISSIONS PROCESS

1

Families can now electronically submit paperwork to Learning Prep

through the use of the online portal SchoolAdmin, located on our website.


TOUR

If we determine that Learning Prep may be able to meet your child’s needs, we would be happy to arrange a tour to explore how Learning Prep can benefit your child.

TRIAL VISIT

After the tour, a trial visit may be offered. This is an opportunity for your child to experience what it’s like to be a Learning Prep student and for our staff to get to know your child better.

DECISION

After the trial visit, Admissions will review all feedback and make an acceptance decision, usually within a week.

Have questions?Please contact:

[email protected]

617-965-0764

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1507 Washington Street

West Newton, MA 02465

617-965-0764

learningprep.org

Educating students for life.

©2018 Learning Prep School

EDUCATING STUDENTS FOR LIFE - Learning Prep School · Students at Learning Prep have complex...

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