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Learn, Belong, and Be Recognized

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Founded in 1999, Saint Catherine Academy is a state-approved education program for students ages 5 to 21 who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Small class sizes allow for integrated learning with a focus on academics, the development of life skills, and vocational experiences.

We recognize that students with multiple, developmental, or intellectual disabilities need a program that combines life skills and core academics to better prepare them for independent living. Saint Catherine Academy offers a careful integration of academics and living/vocational skills delivered in a facility specially designed for our program. Our faculty are state-certified professional educators who holistically address students’ social and academic education, supported by experienced instructional assistants.

St. Catherine Academy Welcome Video

Programming

About the Academy

We recognize that students with multiple, developmental, or intellectual disabilities need a program that combines life skills and core academics to better prepare them for independent living. Saint Catherine Academy offers a careful integration of academics and living/vocational skills delivered in a facility specially designed for our program. Our faculty are state-certified professional educators who holistically address students’ social and academic education, supported by experienced instructional assistants. 

Visit the Saint Catherine Academy website
St. Catherine Academy Welcome Video
Programming
Academics

Vocational Experience

Social Skills

Life Skills

Creative Arts

Academics

Using a combination of individual instruction and small group sessions, as well as assistive technology, the Academy’s certified special education teachers are able to assess progress and plan necessary accommodations for each student to maximize potential. Emphasis is placed in developing and maintaining language arts skills and math proficiency.

Vocational Experience

Through vocational experiences, students have opportunities to prepare to be productive, independent, and participating adults to the extent that each individual’s abilities will allow. Job skill development becomes part of individualized plans at age 16. In vocational classes led by a full-time Vocational Coordinator, teachers and job coaches introduce workplace vocabulary, different job opportunities, and hands-on work experience within the school environment. Onsite work experience includes office work, sorting and packaging, assembly line activities, and maintenance. Through community placements offsite, students are also exposed to different workplace environments and have the chance to develop multiple skills.

Social Skills

The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions while understanding and responding to other people is crucial for a more independent life. Students with developmental delays often need help in developing these social skills. Direct teaching, modeling, and guided practice, along with consistency across the school, help with the development of these skills. Engagement with age-level peers through family and school relationships is encouraged.

Life Skills

The development of life skills is integrated into the curriculum and all activities in collaboration with occupational, physical, speech therapists, and social workers. Our facility includes a Life Skills Apartment with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and washer/dryer. Activities in the apartment, such as making the bed, setting the table, emptying the dishwasher, and preparing food give students the opportunity to learn and practice in an environment similar to home.

Life Skills

The development of life skills is integrated into the curriculum and all activities in collaboration with occupational, physical, speech therapists, and social workers. 

Our facility includes a Life Skills Apartment with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and washer/dryer. Activities in the apartment, such as making the bed, setting the table, emptying the dishwasher, and preparing food give students the opportunity to learn and practice in an environment similar to home.

Sami looks forward to going to the Center every day. She loves going out to the van each morning, peering in to see who is there to pick her up – usually with a big smile on her face. As a mother of a non-verbal child, seeing that smile on her face is extremely comforting, assuring me that she is happy to be on her way.

Lori Leskin, parent

Creative Arts

The Creative Arts have a fundamental place in the curriculum at the Academy. During art class each week, students use multiple mediums to learn self-expression. Themes from the academic curriculum, such as geography, science, nature and even math are integrated into the program. In weekly music sessions, different types of music are introduced and vocal skills are developed, while also improving social and communication skills. Weekly movement classes are also offered, where students practice paying attention and following instructions while building strength and flexibility.

Sami looks forward to going to the Center every day. She loves going out to the van each morning, peering in to see who is there to pick her up – usually with a big smile on her face. As a mother of a non-verbal child, seeing that smile on her face is extremely comforting, assuring me that she is happy to be on her way.

Lori Leskin, parent