About SKILLS Private Academy
Highly qualified teachers and staff offer enriching and innovative curriculum compatible with Arizona State Standards in the following areas:
READING AND WRITING
Students are taught using grade-level standards, with modified lessons and accommodations so that students can easily access content. Individualized attention means maximum progress. Teachers use curriculum from Shurley, Unique, Edmark, Read Naturally and Handwriting Without Tears. Students have the latest technology available in Chromebooks and iPads to practice safe written language opportunities and closely monitored research. America Sign Language is also taught to support our hearing-impaired students and to incorporate kinesthetic learning with vocabulary use and acquisition.
MATH
The curriculum used to teach math includes Unique, TouchMath, MobyMax, and Saxon. Teachers focus on real-life use of math skills to teach students using manipulatives, exchanging money in the community, and more. Students have measured and built raised beds for a garden. Life Skills lessons in the kitchen include measuring for cooking and baking each week. Math is hands-on and relevant.
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SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES
Science and social studies curricula are taught in units using Unique and individualized upper-level lessons aligned to state standards. Students access local area resources where they interact within their community, learning through hands-on experiences. Some of our community-based field trips include visits to Coronado National Memorial, San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, Colossal Cave, and Ramsey Canyon.
LIFE SKILLS AND SOCIAL SKILLS
The focus at SKILLS is readiness for adult living and contribution to our community. Our curriculum comes from Unique, Emotional ABCs, and real vocational experiences. Subjects include emotional identification and regulation, cooking, personal hygiene, toileting, community-based field trips, and other functional life skills. Students learn about future career choices through visits to the school from community members such as state troopers or visits out to see the Fire Chief or the Sheriff’s helicopter unit.
SPEECH, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy are offered to students who qualify for services based on their IEP by licensed therapists.
APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
SKILLS recognizes the value of ABA therapy in order to gently address students with behavioral needs. SKILLS allows one on one outside therapists to work with their clients while the student attends school in order to partner with agenciessuch as Positive ABA for maximum student success.
C.A.N.T.E.R.
Therapeutic horseback riding is available for students who wish to participate in equine therapy. SKILLS partners with Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources (CANTER) for horse-based therapy. Students attend and either ride, groom or work toward approaching and accepting their horse.
COMMUNITY-BASED FIELD TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
Education at SKILLS is enhanced by multiple field trips and activities each month. Students learn by studying animal adaptations, riparian life, local flora and fauna, astronomy, and geoscience directly from Rangers in local national and state parks. Students plan and shop for events at local stores and practice communication and social skills at local coffee shops, salons, and restaurants. Activities such as the Halloween Carnival, Christmas Pajama party, Science Fair, and Talent Shows motivate student pride and participation. SKILLS students in grades 7-12 are invited to attend the local high school special education Prom each May. In addition, students are invited to attend special after-school clubs to learn ukulele, choir, theater, sports, art, and more.
Mission Statement
We lovingly serve students and their families by providing inspiration and empowerment through an enriched and individualized education.
Vision Statement
As the leader in individualized special education, our students grow without limitations to become their authentic selves and enrich their community.
