Anchor Academy operates as an extended-year, 11-month educational program, with an optional summer experience. Certified special education teachers provide a curriculum that is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Anchor Academy provides instruction through the use of 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.

Anchor Academy uses technology as an interactive resource to increase student engagement, help students meet their IEP goals and continue to provide students with a high quality education. The school utilizes Google for Education software, Google Classroom and Chromebook computers for teachers and students. Google for Education and Google Classroom are web-based teacher driven resources that enable students to receive and submit assignments in a secure, school managed environment.

Anchor Academy is a therapeutic day school where employees work with students to engage them in academic, vocational, social, and recreational activities. 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.

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 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 supports students in making successful transitions between school placements as well as to employment and post-secondary educational opportunities. Students are offered a number of transitional opportunities such as vocational programming, community services opportunities, and college and career readiness classes. On-campus and community-based activities are geared towards developing life and work skills pertinent to 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 utilized to assist students in identifying 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.

GROW Greenhouses Gardening Resources of Wellness, affectionately known as "Grow," is a program offered by JRI (Justice Resource Institute) that is dedicated to exploring the benefits of horticultural therapy and nature-based approaches. At its core, Grow is on a mission to help clients reconnect with themselves by harnessing our deep, innate connection with nature.

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. 

*This is just some of the many community-based collaborations that Anchor Academy partners with.