Summit Academy School For Alternative Learners

Katherine is `graduating` from 8th grade at Summit to attend full inclusion 9th grade at the regular public regional high school. This is only possible because of the proven Summit program, and the work of the incredible education team here. Our daughter came to Summit toward the end of a traumatic 5th grade year in a public middle school that could not work with her disability. She responded very quickly to the experienced professionals at Summit, who were consistently firm yet kind.In 3 years, she has made tremendous progress on all her IEP goals, while developing a healthy and positive sense of self-worth. Katherine glows with self-confidence and enthusiasm. In fact, she recently scored 1190 on the SAT as an 8th grader, having done all of the planning and preparation independently.I believe Katherine thrived at Summit for three reasons. First, the Summit curriculum seemed tailored to address her specific development needs around behavior, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. The presence of deep behavioral and communication expertise daily on site to support classroom teachers and other staff was also key. Lastly, all staff (including specials teachers) are there specifically to work with children on the spectrum they `opt-in` to working with these types of kids. They want to be there.I often recommend Summit to others whenever I hear of a child with ASD who is not thriving in their current environment. Katherine made wonderful progress here and we will be forever grateful. Thank you Summit Academy!- Jim & Ellen, Summit Parents