Upper School (9-12)
A Pathway to Success
Welcome to the Upper School at Children's Academy, where students in Grades 9 through 12 build on their foundation and prepare for life beyond graduation. Our individualized, integrated language-based model places a dedicated speech-language pathologist in every classroom, with occupational therapy and social-emotional learning woven throughout the day. Skill-based grouping ensures every student is challenged and supported as they grow toward independence and success.
Integrated, Language-Based Learning
In Upper School, academics and therapy remain woven together throughout the day as students take on more challenging, higher-level coursework. Every classroom is staffed by a licensed teacher, teaching assistants, and a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, with occupational therapy and social-emotional learning embedded into each student's day. Our skill-based grouping and 6:2:1 ratio for academic subjects mean every student is met where they are and given the time, support, and encouragement to grow into an independent, confident learner ready for life beyond graduation.
A Curriculum Grounded in the Science of Reading
Literacy instruction at Children's Academy is built on what research shows actually works, and in Upper School that foundation is extended to advanced comprehension, critical analysis, and writing across the curriculum. Using evidence-based programs, we continue to strengthen fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension while helping students engage with increasingly complex texts. Every student gets the explicit, structured instruction they need to become a confident, independent reader prepared for college, career, and life beyond graduation.
Social and Emotional Development
In the Upper School, we empower students to take ownership of their learning and growth. A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist stays integrated in the classroom, building practical communication, social, and self-advocacy skills in real-world settings so students can navigate academic challenges and daily life with confidence.
Preparing for What Comes Next
As students move toward graduation, we use New York City as our campus. Community activities and internships across the city give students real-world settings to build independence, self-advocacy, and social connection, preparing them for the next stage of their academic and personal lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does the Upper School serve, and how are classes structured?
The Upper School serves students in Grades 9 through 12. Instruction is individualized to each student's IEP and aligned to New York State learning standards, with accommodations built in. Small class sizes and a low student-to-staff ratio, along with a Speech-Language Pathologist integrated into the classroom, let us give every student close, individualized attention throughout the day.
How does the Upper School prepare students for life after graduation?
Our approach shifts toward independence and self-advocacy. Using New York City as our campus, we connect students with community activities and internships that provide real-world settings to build practical communication, social, and problem-solving skills. Alongside academics, we support each student's transition planning so they're ready for the next stage of their academic and personal lives.
What support services are available to Upper School students?
Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and social-emotional learning are woven into the school day rather than pulled out separately. A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist works within the classroom, and small-group speech and language sessions plus daily social groups give students consistent, functional opportunities to build communication and social connection.
How does the Upper School help students grow socially and emotionally?
Social and emotional growth is a core focus as students move through adolescence toward adulthood. Through daily social groups and real-world experiences across the city, students practice perspective-taking, conversation skills, flexible thinking, and self-advocacy, building the empathy, confidence, and resilience they'll carry into college, careers, and independent life.