Granite Academy is a dynamic, strength-based day school serving middle and high school students whose social-emotional needs impact their learning experience. At the heart of our work is a simple belief: every student deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. Through personalized instruction, therapeutic support, and a welcoming community, we help students rediscover their strengths and re-engage in learning. Fully approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Granite is recognized for providing flexible, individualized programming and being completely dedicated to meeting the needs of its students, families, and the public school system.
We offer comprehensive support through collaboration between educators and clinicians, creating personalized learning strategies while maintaining open communication with families.
Academic Programming
Granite Academy offers a rich, Common Core-aligned curriculum delivered by licensed content and special education teachers. Small class sizes (8:1 or 12:1:1 ratios) allow for individualized instruction, supported by Chromebooks and a state-of-the-art technology center. Students can explore electives, vocational programming, and dual enrollment opportunities with local districts and community colleges.
Instructional Approach
Our educators and clinicians collaborate to tailor instruction to each student’s needs, unlocking potential through creative, strength-based strategies.
Home-School Communication
Teachers maintain regular contact with families through email, phone, and scheduled meetings. Weekly updates keep the community informed and engaged.
Student/Parent Portal
Through Gradelink, families and students can access grades and schedules anytime via desktop or mobile app.
IEP Development
IEPs are created through a collaborative, student-centered process that values every voice. Plans are data-driven, strength-based, and focused on building independence for life beyond high school. All programming aligns with district diploma requirements.
Granite Academy’s clinical team starts with the belief that our students have a desire to be successful and have the ability to make progress. Our Master’s level clinicians provide ongoing, individualized support through regularly scheduled individual and group sessions, real-time therapeutic processing, family outreach, and collaboration with collateral contacts. Students have access to full-time nursing and sensory integration support.
Treatment is trauma-informed and strength-based, and focuses on the ARC theory: attachment, regulation, and competency. In addition, the concepts and interventions developed as a part of Michelle Garcia Winner’s social thinking philosophy – which focuses on increasing social understanding – and focuses on teaching skills to improve social functioning across various settings, informs all aspects of our students’ days.
Granite Academy’s approach to clinical services includes other treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, and person-centered treatment to form an eclectic approach to working with each student. Clinicians develop treatment plans with a focus on each student’s specific needs given their history, current functioning, future goals, and the built-in sources of support in their lives
Individual Counseling
Students meet regularly with clinicians for personalized support and skill-building. Clinicians are also available as needed to help students apply strategies in real-time. Together with caregivers, they set meaningful academic, social, and emotional goals tailored to each student.
Group Counseling
Weekly group therapy sessions are designed around student interests and needs. Groups focus on emotional regulation, self-awareness, social skills, and creative expression. Examples include:
Service Coordination
Clinicians work with caregivers and outside providers to ensure consistent, goal-driven care across settings.
Sensory Support
Sensory tools and strategies are integrated into daily routines, with personalized plans used throughout the school to support focus and regulation.
Therapeutic Animals
Students can engage with animals—like goats, sheep, a rabbit, fish, hermit crabs, and a comfort dog, golden retriever — for emotional support, coping, and skill-building. Animal care is also part of enrichment classes and student jobs.
Equine Facilitated Learning Program
Equine Facilitated Learning Program Summary for Granite Academy Students
This Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) program offers six-week group sessions designed specifically for students from Granite Academy. The program integrates therapeutic and educational goals with experiential activities involving horses to support students’ emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Learning Objectives:
Equine Activities:
Students participate in a range of structured, hands-on horse activities, including:
Program Benefits:
The human-horse interaction serves as a powerful and motivating tool for learning. As students form meaningful bonds with the horses, they naturally develop skills in perspective taking, attunement, and trust building. These relational experiences enhance self-awareness and empathy, while also reinforcing core learning objectives through real-time feedback and reflection.
Therapeutic Milieu
A dedicated space staffed by a milieu coordinator supports students in moments of dysregulation, helping them return to class ready to learn.
Student Government
Student Government is the heart of student leadership at Granite Academy. With pride and purpose, SG promotes individuality, community, and charitable outreach through partnerships with organizations like Cradles to Crayons and Big Brother Big Sister. Members lead initiatives such as food and clothing drives, fostering a strong sense of self and connection.
Mathlete Club
Mathletes celebrate a love of math through engaging competitions and events with other JRI day schools. Activities like Math Jeopardy, puzzles, and themed games offer students a chance to showcase academic talents and build connections across campuses.
Soccer & Basketball
Our sports teams offer students a chance to experience competitive play, teamwork, and school spirit. Games are held with other therapeutic day schools, and highlights include our spirited “Students vs. Staff” matchups. School Assembly Monthly assemblies recognize student achievements and strengths, creating a meaningful space for celebration and peer acknowledgment that reinforces community and empowerment.
School Show Performances
Students shine in three annual showcases: Ciderhouse Jam (music), Poetry Slam (spoken word), and the Talent Show (variety acts), celebrating creativity and self-expression. Graduates Panel Alumni return to share insights on life after Granite Academy, offering guidance and inspiration for current students preparing for their next steps.
Field Day
A beloved end-of-year tradition, Field Day brings the whole school together for outdoor games and activities designed to appeal to a wide range of interests, encouraging teamwork and fun.
Campus Beautification Day
Students and staff collaborate to enhance our Learning Park by planting flowers and taking pride in their shared environment.
Poetry Slam
September–October 2025
Company One Theatre, companyone.org, will be working closely with a group of students to prepare for our Fall Poetry Slam. Professional actors will collaborate with staff and students for six weeks. It all leads up to a performance on October 22, 2025. This is a powerful chance for students to explore self-expression and performance with true artists in the field.
Equine Facilitated Learning Program
Summary for Granite Academy Students: This Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) program offers six-week group sessions designed specifically for students from Granite Academy. The program integrates therapeutic and educational goals with experiential activities involving horses to support students’ emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Learning Objectives:
Equine Activities: Students participate in a range of structured, hands-on horse activities, including:
Program Benefits: The human-horse interaction serves as a powerful and motivating tool for learning. As students form meaningful bonds with the horses, they naturally develop skills in perspective taking, attunement, and trust building. These relational experiences enhance self-awareness and empathy, while also reinforcing core learning objectives through real-time feedback and reflection.
Night of Excellence
Community Service Partnership: New England Wildlife Center
Granite Academy offers a range of transition-focused opportunities to prepare high school students for life after graduation—whether their goals include college, career, or greater independence.
Our transition services include:
Granite Academy individualizes transition planning based on each student's needs, preparing them for their next steps, whatever path they choose.
Yes, Granite Academy offers extended evaluations.
Students are typically referred through their local school district as part of the IEP process. Please complete the inquiry form below to learn more.
Laura McGrath
Intake Admission Coordinator
6 Columbian Street Braintree, MA 02184
Amy Barber
M.Ed., LMHC, Head of School
6 Columbian Street Braintree, MA 02184
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