Anchor Academy is a therapeutic special education day school offering rigorous academics in a supportive and structured environment. Our curriculum follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and is delivered by certified special education professionals, preparing students for high school graduation and successful transitions to post-secondary education, vocational training, or career pathways. Operating as an extended 11-month academic program, Anchor Academy also offers an optional summer experience to reinforce year-round learning and development.
Anchor Academy operates as an extended-year program, spanning 11 months, with an optional summer component. Our certified special education educators implement a curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks through project-based and hands-on learning approaches.
These interdisciplinary methods encourage students to leverage their strengths to achieve greater success. Working collaboratively with each student's school district and treatment team, Anchor Academy consistently challenges students academically while addressing their unique learning requirements.
Anchor Academy utilizes technology as an interactive tool to enhance student engagement, support the achievement of IEP goals, and maintain high-quality educational standards. We utilize Google for Education software, Google Classroom, and provide Chromebook computers to our teachers and students.
Therapeutic interventions are woven throughout our school day to foster healthy attachments, develop effective regulation skills, and strengthen students' sense of self.
These therapeutic components help students navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for adulthood. Self-care practices, wellness strategies, safety protocols, interpersonal communication skills, and conflict resolution techniques are incorporated into daily school routines.
Each Anchor Academy student works with an assigned Master's-level clinician who provides individual and group counseling aligned with their Individualized Education Plan. Speech therapy and Occupational therapy services are available based on individual needs.
Anchor Academy provides comprehensive transitional and vocational opportunities that focus on cultivating students' unique strengths, abilities, and interests. We facilitate successful transitions between educational placements and into employment or post-secondary education. Students access various transitional programs, including vocational training, community service opportunities, and college/career readiness instruction.
Both on-campus and community-based activities develop essential life and work skills relevant to post-secondary success. Students create personalized roadmaps for educational planning, financial literacy, and career exploration.
Educational support and skill-building opportunities enable students to learn job application processes, craft effective resumes, refine interview techniques, and effectively manage professional references. Interest assessments help students identify potential career pathways.
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. Our partnership with the Community Boating Center was recently featured on WCVB Channel 5. Watch now.
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.
Soule Homestead allows students to participate in ongoing community service projects. Students assist with the care of several farm animals including rabbits, goats, sheep, and chickens. Students examine the animals in their habitat while creating a better space for them on the farm. The Homestead offers a variety of educational programs that emphasize hands-on learning. All of our educational programs incorporate one or more of the Massachusetts State Educational Curriculum Standards and Frameworks, including: History and Social Science; Science and Technology; Mathematics; and Visual Arts.
The Bridge Center provides students the opportunity to learn horse handling, equine nutrition, grooming and tacking, and equine anatomy. These competency skills help Anchor Academy students build self-confidence, social skills, executive functioning skills, and patience. The students volunteer their time and build relationships with the animals.
Sunshine Farm Sanctuary offers students the opportunity to work side by side with animals as well as learn the skills to ride horses. The skill of caring for and riding horses develops a mindful sense of self by boosting self-esteem and self-acceptance.
Gifts to Give allows students to help organize recycled, re-purposed, and gifted clothing for children in need. Volunteering teaches students how much they have to offer others, empowers their sense of self, and reinforces the school’s strong community connection.
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 Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mark Schueppert 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.
No team members found.
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.
Lauren Cohen
LICSW, Director
149 Plymouth Street, Middleboro, MA 02346
Copyright Ⓒ 2025 JRI. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Language Accessibility Notice. Machine Readable File Links.
