NAPS is a small school with a low teacher/instructional aide to student ratio which allows for individual attention. The small class size allows teachers and faculty to create lessons, activities and assignments that meet the needs of types of learners.
Classroom teachers differentiate instruction based on students' assessed skills in reading and math.
Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth grades have instructional aides available to support students and teachers.
Aides are utilized to assist with one on one or small group review and reinforcement.
Ipads are provided to grades 1-5 and laptops are provided to grades 6-8. Programs are included for extra reading and math practice.
Classrooms provide scaffolding through visual aides (maps, focus walls, word walls, visual cues) posted around the classrooms.
Slant board desks are used for students who need support when writing.
Headphones are available for students who need to listen to books and texts.
SmartBoards are in classrooms for lessons, class activities, homework assignments and classroom expectations.
Epic digital library is available to students starting in Pre-K. Students can explore their interests with instant access to thousands of books.
Students get individual or small group instruction from two full-time resource teachers after observation and assessments indicate additional learning time is necessary.
NAPS also has on site an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Therapist and an Orton-Gillingham private tutor. These are independent contractors that parents organize and prepare for their child.
Math manipulatives are available during instruction.
For tactical learners, Touch Math can be implemented with the resource team and classroom teacher.
Mindfulness classes are part of the curriculum for all grades, PreK through 8th. These classes provide students with strategies to manage their emotions at school or while participating in school activities.
LEARNING SERVICES
The administration, teachers and the resource team work together to identify and address the needs of students working below grade level or who are facing academic challenges in the classroom. NAPS aims to provide interventions that help bridge the gap between where students are and where they need to be. NAPS offers in-school interventions and supports until it is evident that the student’s learning issues need a more in depth approach.
NAPS also pledges to address any physical or mental health issues that may affect a student’s progress in school and will make accommodations for them until outside resources are needed.
RESOURCE SUPPORT
NAPS has limited resources available to educate children with special-education needs. NAPS employs special education teachers but the school does not have the facilities or resources to address all special-education needs. If accommodations are required, the school reserves the right to make admission or continued enrollment at the school conditional based upon the following stipulations:
Parents shall notify the Head of School and/or the Assistant Head of School if they are aware that their child has or has had a learning concern when completing the initial enrollment.
At any time during the child’s enrollment period, parents must provide the school with copies of all written reports and other educational, psychological, pediatric, therapeutic, or other information relevant to the child’s education.
Parents shall also sign a communication authorization and/or records-release form allowing NAPS to communicate with previous schools and/or service providers (for example, but not limited to, speech, behavioral, or physical therapists) in reference to the services provided for the child.
If, in the professional judgment of the school, it is determined that NAPS is unable to provide adequately for the special education a child requires, the parent will be notified.
When a learning or behavior concern arises, NAPS staff will communicate the educational recommendation with the parents. Communication to the parents in response to learning/social/emotional/behavioral needs will take place in formal meetings with staff and parents in attendance. Failure to follow these suggestions or participate could lead to the school being unable to successfully educate the child.
Screening for learning difficulties: In-house or outside screenings/assessments may be requested by the NAPS staff. The screening tests available to schools are indicative only: they are not infallible. Parents will be notified if a screening test indicates that their child may have learning difficulty.
NAPS reserves the right to deny enrollment to any student whose needs cannot be met by the resources available at the school. Please note that educational support services incur additional fees through the use of private and independent therapists.