Cornerstones of Our Academic Program
• The Excelsior academic program is a rich and challenging college preparatory program for students with unique learning profiles.
• Students enjoy a nurturing, supportive learning environment where they meet success in mastering life’s challenges.
• Special educators help students prepare for college, for future careers, and for being productive citizens.
• Student - teacher ratios of 6 students to 1 adult per classroom providing individual instruction and extra assistance as needed.
• Students engage daily in a character education program that teaches them to make healthy decisions, create positive social relationships, and learn useful problem-solving skills.
• Excelsior staff ensure that all students meet the specific graduation requirements delineated by their school districts of residence.
• Core curriculum is enhanced with offerings in the areas of fine arts, athletics, service learning, technology, compensatory learning skills, social skills development, and specific writing classes.
• Teaching methods are supplemented with curricular modifications and learning accommodations as needed.
• Ancillary services are provided by experienced and talented professionals in the areas of speech and language, occupational therapy, counseling, and others as needed.
• Students who have met specific requirements, may take advantage of a dual enrollment program where they might study on middle and high school campuses or on college or university campuses.
• Students who have met age and course requirements, may choose to take part in various transition programs such as workability, apprenticeships, and the like.
• Every Excelsior student maintains and presents an annual portfolio that includes written goals, selective completed assignments with self-reviews, personal essays, works of art, samples of their work in technology, and more.
• Seniors are required to complete a Senior Exhibition by the end of their senior year showing various uses of technology (i.e., Power Point) that includes a written interview regarding their future goals, an essay on how they exemplify the schoolwide learning expectations, a research paper, evidence of community service, and an oral presentation to a panel of judges and family members.
• Students who require additional courses may receive specially tailored classes and/or additional years of study to meet their needs. Students who require specific learning enhancements may receive services from outside professionals either on or off campus.
