The Summit Academy Therapeutic Education Model has identified a hierarchy of needs that children must have to be successful in life. For effective learning to occur, it is necessary that the student possess a sufficient repertoire of adaptive skills. Our typical students are "hands-on" learners, so the inclusion of interactive programs maximizes the effectiveness of their learning process.

Multi-dimensional programs have been developed specifically for our school and focus on improving the students' social perception ability, enabling them to initiate and maintain interpersonal relationships. Self-discipline, respect for self and others, organizational and time management skills are also encompassed by our offering. Because these programs are integrated into their classes, it provides them the opportunity to practice these developing abilities daily in a supportive atmosphere where they receive positive reinforcement and immediate, corrective feedback.

For an Executive Summary of Therapeutic Programming, click here

Here is a brief overview of Summit Academy programs that assist in developing the childrens' skill sets.

Therapeutic Martial Arts

This program is unique to our Summit Academy School model,which is focused on enhancing the growth of the student as a mature individual. The benefits include: Building self-esteem, increasing the ability to focus, and developing greater physical & mental balance. The program is focused on helping the total student--Martial Arts teaches a way of approaching life. Students with  Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD and PDD-NOS often get teased...so we teach them how to avoid a fight and how to walk away. We teach them to be strong on the inside, so they can "open like a door" and let any teasing or negative comments go through them and pass away.

Outdoor Experiential Education

This program provides a balance to learning in the classroom. We utilize an adventure-based concept that provides a unique, holistic approach to learning. These classes involve: exposure and participation, experimentation, individual reflection, practical application and internalization. The outdoor environment and natural setting breaks down the walls which confine these children in the traditional school system, and allows them to be themselves.

Scouting Program

The Boy Scouts of America Scouting in Schools Program is incorporated into our curriculum because it provides a philosophy of character development that these children can integrate into their lives. We want to not only create educated students, but also want to develop contributing members of society.

Cognitive Therapy: Brain Gym

Cognitive executive function skills are essential for success in education and also for success in the world at large.  Our fun Brain Gym techniques stimulate left-brain / right-brain communication and facilitate better concentration via short exercises that fit naturally into the school day.

Social Skills Training

After years of difficulty in traditional schools and frustrations experienced at home and with their peers, many Summit students are socially disabled.  They may lack confidence, turn to negative behaviors, or in the case of many Asperger's children, they may lack the ability to function well in social situations and perceive the feelings, attitudes or emotions of others. Crucial training needs to be provided in order to overcome these deficits in social skills, and we have developed a full repertoire of activities that can help.