Joseph academy

Michael Schack-Executive Director
Excellence in Special Education

Curriculum


Students at Joseph Academy study the same subjects as their counterparts in regular classrooms, but with greater structure and individual attention. The curriculum is based on the requirements of each sending school district and the goals and objectives started in the student's IEP.   We offer many new and exciting vocational opportunities for our students.  Woodshop, Bicycle Maintenance and Small Engine Repair are just a few of the programs our students can participate in.

We work closely with each student's sending public school district to ensure that the student is enrolled in the appropriate academic classes.  Many students have the opportunity to mainstream seamlessly back to their high schools.  Our extended school year also offers the opportunity for students to graduate before their expected date.





 Student Activities

Girls Club
Trained educators meet with the female students. Once a week, a safe setting is provided for these students to discuss personal issues with staff members. In addition, monthly field trips and speakers address a variety of issues. Girls Club activities include poetry writing, jewelry making, special discussions on important topics that teenage girls can relate to and the opportunity to explore career options and creative and artistic skills.

Student Council
Representatives from each homeroom are elected to the Student Council where students follow procedures for meetings. They represent student interests, as well as perform community service projects and civic duties. The council promotes leadership activities for upper-level students, sponsors the Joseph Academy yearbook and provides tours of the facility to visitors.  Student Council activities include food pantry deliveries, school spirit projects and the organization of holiday festivities.

Check out our article in the St. James Journal about their food pantry!

Sports

Flag football, basketball, volleyball, softball and soccer are just a few of the sports our students teams compete in throughout the year. Joseph Academy is a member of the Chicago Area Alternative Education League (C.A.A.E.L.). Participation in sports teaches students how to express their physical attributes, work as a group and respond to organized sports. Students develop reasoning skills as members of the intramural Chess Club.  Our students enjoy the opportunity to participate in a sports league similar to a public school.

 

Turn Around Alternative Program      (T.A.A.P.)

Joseph Academy Inc. is now offering a progressive and dynamic educational plan for 45 day placements.  The Turn Around Alternative Program (T.A.A.P.) begins at 1:40 p.m. and ends at 4:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday on scheduled school days.

  

 

This program is appropriate for special education or regular education students who need an alternative day placement for a myriad of reasons, students who work part-time in the morning and/or who just function better in the afternoons, students who wish to use core subjects to prepare for a G.E.D., students who are frequently tardy to school in the morning, An alternative placement in lieu of expulsion for serious disciplinary infractions, and students who are suspended or expelled for drug or weapon violations.

High school students have the opportunity to earn a minimum of five credits each semester.  The Cooperative Work Training program and the Independent Study Program allow for additional credits.  All core required classes for graduation are available.

Junior high students are offered classes that meet state and local district requirements, including the Constitution test.

- Utilization of the established Joseph Academy philosophy and Motivation System.

- A dynamic academic curriculum coupled with a strong therapeutic array of services.

- Veteran certified teachers, social workers, a psychologist, nurse, and consulting psychiatrist.

- State-of-the-art facility and a warm, affirming milieu. 

 

 Short Term Alternate Resource Program(S.T.A.R.)

Joseph Academy, Inc. is proud to announce the formation of its Short Term Alternate Resource (STAR) Program.  It is for students in grades 1 through 8, who may need a temporary option due to suspensions for disruptive school behavior, or an interim alternative classroom due to other problems.

Students will be able to take advantage of Joseph Academy’s therapeutic support services, their consistent behavior management system, and an individualized curriculum specifically designed to address each student’s academic levels of performance.

It is hoped that students who have completed the STAR program will have developed a more positive attitude toward school, or show a more focused attitude for school goals and want to change some previous unproductive patterns.

Who Qualifies?

ü Special Education or regular education students who need a short term alternate setting due to disruptive school behavior.

ü Special Education or regular education students who need an alternate setting in lieu of expulsion for serious disciplinary infractions.

ü   Regular Education students who are in the process of being referred for Special Education services.