Academics at AVW

The academic program at Ashley Valley is designed to work with the therapeutic objectives of the program and promote authentic learning experiences. The outdoor classroom provides a diverse physical setting that allows students to learn weather reporting (study of the earth's atmosphere), astronomy (stars), and biology (local plants and animals). "Hands-on" experiences make learning interesting and fun. It encourages positive expressive personal growth while it prepares the mode for students to link learning from books to real life experiences.

We typically find our students have emotional challenges that have had a negative affect on their academics. At Ashley Valley, the staff is qualified to work with the student’s behavioral issues while maintaining the necessary perspective to allow them to achieve academically. Our program successfully integrates the emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of our students to create a nurturing environment conducive to learning.

The curriculum focuses on Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Language Arts; students must complete the written educational booklets and experience activities in order to receive credit. During the program students will learn valuable skills that can be accredited toward their school requirements. While in the program, the Education Director, a certified Special Education and Health teacher will direct the student’s learning, assess their knowledge, and grade the work accordingly. The course description and grade will be forwarded to the student’s school for them to determine the appropriate credit. School credit for program participation can be earned in all phases of the program.

In addition to the academic credits that may be earned for participation in the program there are other options offered at Ashley Valley. After 42 program days or during the Recovery Phase students can:

• Stay current on their school credit requirements through curriculum provided by their home school. The school work will be administered by Ashley Valley with the cooperative of the student’s school.
• Earn high school credit through independent study programs.
• Study for their General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• Take college level course through independent study programs.