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.
Granite Academy dedicated a day to exploring holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Lunar New Year, and Kwanzaa. Students and staff lead interactive stations with activities related to each holiday, creating a vibrant and inclusive experience. To add to the celebration, student DJs will provide music, making it a truly festive day.
Our theme this year is "Different Stories, One School: Everyone Matters,, Everyone is SEEN" reflecting our commitment to embracing diversity, fostering a sense of belonging, and building connections within our community. As we celebrate these meaningful holidays, we also celebrate the opportunity to learn from one another’s unique experiences and traditions. It’s through sharing our diverse stories that we grow stronger as a school and deepen our understanding and respect for each other. Together, we create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and part of something bigger. We are excited to celebrate the richness of our school community and the many different stories that make us who we are.
We are thrilled to welcome back Senator John Keenan, a long-time supporter of our school’s mission. During his visit, he will join our Student Government meeting in an interactive session, giving students the chance to engage directly, ask questions, and share their ideas. His presence is always inspiring and leaves a lasting impact on our student community.
Our Caregiver Advisory Committee (CAC) is thriving, with many dedicated caregivers supporting our school initiatives—especially this one. Each year, the CAC organizes our “Halfway Through the Year” Celebration, a cherished tradition that has been in place for six years. This celebration is driven by caregivers and guardians, honoring the hard work and growth of our students. The event features a delicious community breakfast paired with inspiring messages from caregivers, making it a meaningful and motivational experience for everyone involved!
A group of Granite Academy students are participating in tiered sessions focused on goal setting, problem solving, and personal growth. Using experiential and adventure-based education, the Leadership Academy encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, face challenges, and reflect on the skills and strategies needed for success.
One of the highlights is the High Ropes Course, where participants can challenge themselves on climbs up to 40 feet while safely harnessed and supported by certified staff. Every activity follows a Challenge-By-Choice philosophy — students set their own goals and decide how far they want to push themselves.
Through group initiatives and reflective discussions, participants build teamwork, confidence, and perseverance — skills that extend well beyond the ropes course.
Students and caregivers are invited to explore various college and training program tables set up around the gym. It’s a great opportunity to gather information, make connections, and get excited about what’s next after high school!
As you visit each table:
Students in the Skills for Living class explored the importance of civic participation and local elections. They learned about positions found on local ballots — such as mayor, town selectpeople, school committee, and zoning board — and discussed how local decisions can impact their communities.
Students also reviewed resources from the Secretary of State’s office to learn about voting accommodations and supports. They practiced completing a sample ballot and will wrap up the week with a Voter Registration Drive hosted by our transition coordinator.
Eligible students can register or check their registration status, and students aged 16–17 can pre-register to vote. Registration will be available online (with a license or state ID) and via paper forms during the drive.
With the new season approaching, Granite Academy has scheduled 6–8 basketball games against other schools with similar programs. These games emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development while fostering a strong sense of community and pride.
We can’t wait to cheer on our student-athletes this season — go Gladiators!
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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