Academics

Academics at Matheny

Every child deserves an education that will maximize his or her opportunity to learn. No two students are the same, so there is no “one size fits all” at The Matheny School. Our faculty members take time to know each child and their style of learning so they can tailor an educational program that meets each child’s specific cognitive and physical needs. We provide a blended curriculum that balances academic and functional skills. Instruction in daily living, occupational preparation and guidance, and community living skills are all part of the integrated school day.

Our highly dedicated professional staff and specialists foster a successful learning experience for every child, every day. All students have access to, and instruction in, language arts, math, science, social studies, 21st century life skills, adaptive physical education, and the arts. Though Project Based Learning strategies (PBL), students also engage in semester-long projects – such as the publication of the school newsletter – which build such competencies as problems solving, decision making, and collaboration with peers.

Curriculum and materials are adapted to provide learning at an optimum rate with high retention and broad generalization. Interactive SMART Board technology, iPads, augmentative communication resources, assistive technology, vision, hearing and mobility aids, and medical technologies are utilized throughout the learning environment. All instructional adaptations and modifications are based on the students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP) taking into account the sensory and motor needs of each student.

The Matheny School culture has long embraced the integration of therapies in the classroom with our entire school team working in partnership to link therapies to educational objectives. Teachers, therapists, social workers, nurses, behaviorists, and paraprofessionals regularly meet together in Professional Learning Communities where they continuously collaborate to improve teaching practices to increase student learning, growth, and success.