K-8 Program
Promoting student success through flexible, fluid learning plans that work for the individual.
Our program is designed to continually develop the students’ skill sets in order for them to either meet or surpass the standards for their grade level. To maintain balance between NYS Learning Standards and the needs of the individual child, each student’s learning plan remains flexible, fluid, and personalized to them.
Reaching new Heights
The Support to Succeed
Our students are fully supported in all areas by an exemplary team of teachers and teaching assistants. Students are given a mix of individual attention and group interaction.
Classroom Model
Our classrooms are designed with the student in mind. Each class boasts a desirable size of 12 students or less. We purposefully maintain small class sizes to ensure that learning remains differentiated for each student’s need. The students in our classes are within a three-year age range, creating built in academic role models for each other. Our classes are staffed with one lead teacher and at least two assistants, allowing our students the support they need to navigate the curriculum. We place a heavy emphasis on creating an authentic learning environment, where student successes and achievements are displayed throughout the rooms and shared hallways to improve each child’s self-esteem and celebrate their individuality.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is tailored to emphasize each child’s individual strengths and needs. At the beginning of the school year or upon entry into our program, every child is assessed in each area of academic content to determine their level of development. Our educational objectives and standards align with the New York State (NYS) Learning Standards and are intended targets for our students. Our ultimate goal is to continually develop the students’ skill sets in order for them to either meet or surpass the standards for their grade level. To maintain balance between NYS Learning Standards and the needs of the individual child, each student’s learning plan remains flexible, fluid, and personalized to them. We achieve this by drawing from multiple educational resources to deliver lesson plans based on a multi-tiered system:
- Classwide
- Small Group
- Individual
Therapeutic Support
We place equal emphasis on academic, social and emotional growth to promote the development of the whole child. Similar to how we differentiate our academic approach, we also individualize our therapeutic supports to meet the student where they are in their growth. Our supports range from general programming built into the school day for every child to access (i.e. social skills curriculum, Collaborative Problem Solving, class-wide incentive programs) to crisis intervention support, for specific students with a higher level of need. Our team meets regularly to discuss the therapeutic approach used with each student, ensuring the most effective supports are in place to foster social and emotional growth, while encouraging independence.
FEATURES
Program Features
Academics
On track or ahead of their peers in public school.
Social Skills
Making friends, interacting in public, transportation and more.
Individualized Learning
Support for Developmental Delays
Therapeutic Support
Supporting the needs of our students.
Behavioral Support
Highly trained staff capable of handling situations.
Emotional Support
Because school should never be a place to feel anxious.
Appropriate Classroom Ratios
Teacher’s aides and 1:1s in every classroom.
Three Pillars of Support
Academic Pillar
Ensuring excellence in academics and that all of our students are on track for a regents or local diploma.
Social Pillar
Ensuring students are able to navigate a social environment and succeed in a group setting.
Emotional Pillar
Ensuring students have the tools and support to navigate an uncertain and changing world with confidence.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Parents Say
I felt the need to send you a message and let you know again how grateful I am for all the staff at West Hills for embracing my son these past two years. The respect, dedication, compassion and absolute love for my son is very heartwarming. I could not have imagined a better placement for him and most of all I know he has felt all of this as well.
Suzanne M
Parent
This is such a wonderful school. The staff and director are doing incredible work here with our child. I am so thankful for this school. Complete life changing experience for our whole family.
Lisa H
Parent
PROGRAMS
Other Programs
Extended School Year
For longer ieps
Offers children with special needs the opportunity to maintain the progress they achieved throughout the school year as well as prevent regression.
Orton-Gillingham Reading Program
Multi-Sensory Reading Program
Combines multi-sensory techniques along with explicit teaching of the structure of the English language to help students of all reading levels master the material and become better readers.
High School Program
9-12 Grade with a focus on vocational
Inspired by our widely-successful “I Am I Can” (IAIC) model in our Gersh Academy schools, our high school is designed to help students successfully prepare for college life, a career, and beyond.
Schedule a Tour Today!
Take the next step in providing your child with the education and future they deserve. Schedule a tour of our beautiful 18-acre campus and learn how we can help your child flourish. A life-changing education is just a phone call away.
