Anchor Academy is a special education therapeutic day school that provides challenging academics in a safe and supportive environment. The curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and delivered by a certified special education teacher, with the goal of preparing students for high school graduation and transition to post-secondary education, career, or vocational training. We operate as an extended year, 11-month academic program with an optional summer experience.
Anchor Academy operates as an extended-year, 11-month educational program with an optional summer experience. Certified special education teachers work with a curriculum aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and instruction is provided through project-based, hands-on learning.
The interdisciplinary strategies encourage students to explore their strengths to promote success. In collaboration with the student’s school district and community-based treatment team, Anchor Academy continuously raises the bar by providing challenging academics while recognizing each student’s unique learning needs.
We utilize technology as an interactive resource to enhance student engagement, support students in meeting their IEP goals, and continue to deliver a high-quality education to all students. The school utilizes Google for Education software, Google Classroom, and Chromebook computers for teachers and students.
Therapeutic interventions are integrated throughout the school to promote and teach healthy attachments, practice and implement effective regulation skills, while students build a stronger sense of self. The therapeutic supports help students navigate the complexities of adolescence and transition to adulthood. Self-care, wellness, safety, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution are infused within the daily routines of the school.
All Anchor Academy students are assigned a Master’s level clinician who provides individual and group counseling consistent with their Individualized Education Plan. Speech and Occupational therapy are also provided on an as-needed basis.
Anchor Academy provides transitional and vocational opportunities that focus on developing students’ individual strengths, skills, and interests. The school helps students make successful transitions between school placements as well as to employment and post-secondary educational opportunities.
Students are offered a range of transitional opportunities, including vocational programming, community service, and college and career readiness classes. On-campus and community-based activities are designed to develop life and work skills essential for post-secondary success. Each student has the opportunity to develop their own roadmap for educational, financial, and career exploration..
Educational support and skill-building opportunities allow students to explore the job application process, build a resume, practice and develop interview skills, and contact references. Interest inventories and assessments are used to help students identify areas of interest.
Community Boating Center of New Bedford provides students with opportunities to develop their vocational and competency skills through hands on learning, teamwork and community access. The year-long experience promotes successful achievement towards the student’s social, emotional and academic goals. In 2017 students at Anchor Academy successfully built and launched a Bevin Skiff Row Boat and learned about oceanography while incorporating Anchor Academy’s academic curriculum.
Battleship Cove offers students the opportunity to volunteer to help preserve the rich history of the US Navy. Students work with the maintenance department and the curator to assist with projects that include painting, sorting artifacts, and maintaining the appearance of the facility for visitors. This opportunity connects our students to their local community where they can expand their education on the history of naval heritage.
Wellspring Farm Wellspring Farm Learning Center is located on 15 acres of farm and woodland that offers an experiential approach to counseling utilizing the farm and environment for our students. They provide equine, animal, and environmental assisted psychotherapy as well as many other forms of counseling/therapy.
Full Envision Farm is a 41-acre property that includes a beautiful 5-acre pond, walking trails, an art building/pub and a greenhouse. The purpose is to connect our students with nature and animals, and learn to care for all living things and give them meaningful experiences that foster wellness and well-being.
JRI is strongly committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for our employees and the people we serve. JRI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, marital status or military status in treatment or employment at JRI, admission or access to JRI or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that JRI operates. JRI is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age. Inquiries regarding the application of each of the aforementioned statutes and their implementing regulations to JRI may be directed to JRI Vice President and General Counsel at 781-559-4900 or 160 Gould Street, Suite 300, Needham MA 02494 or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921.
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Yes. Students who are referred for Extended Evaluations are referred by their sending school districts. Students will go through Anchor Academy's standard touring and interviewing process and must meet the school's acceptance criteria.
Anchor Academy offers gap year services, in collaboration with the sending school district, for students who require additional services beyond their 12th-grade year. These plans are individualized to each student’s unique needs and may include MCAS review, preparation and facilitation, credit recovery, dual enrollment, job exploration and placement, vocational skills certifications and training, and independent living skills. The gap year program continues a student’s enrollment and IEP services.
To participate in the Gap Year Program, a student will defer their diploma until they have completed the Gap Year Program. Students enrolled in Anchor Academy’s gap year programming have full access to educational and therapeutic support, including individual and group therapy.
Anchor Academy provides a curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core Standards and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Lessons are designed through the use of project-based, hands-on learning and interdisciplinary strategies that encourage students to explore their strengths to promote a feeling of success.
Students are typically referred through their local school district as part of the IEP process. Please complete the inquiry form below to learn more.
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