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.

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. 

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