Sierra Foothills Academy is a non-public school that offers a year-round program for students with moderate and severe disabilities. Our program provides educational and related services to students between the ages of 5 to 22 in grades K through 12. The disabling conditions of the students served at Sierra Foothills Academy include: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Multiple Disability, Intellectual Disa
bility, Emotional Disturbance, Other Health Impairment, and Specific Learning Disability. Program components include highly structured and individualized programming, intensive communication and language training, social skills training, utilization of natural environments for instruction, functional life skills training, community-based instruction, vocational skills training, positive behavioral programming, sensory activities, core academic instruction, technology literacy, culinary arts and dance instruction, music appreciation, intramural sports program, vocational training, social worker services, psychiatric services, applied behavioral analysis services, medication management, physical therapy and occupational therapy. A unique program called, “The Web of Life” promotes positive interaction between the student and the environment. This innovative approach to education assists students with developing patterns of interaction and communication that can be generalized to multiple settings. Specific emphasis is placed on facilitating the personal growth of individuals through understanding the relationship and interconnectedness of various living systems. Students participate in the full cycle of life, from growing and planting seeds to raising, harvesting, cooking and selling the vegetable. The program provides students with ample opportunities to practice functional skills, earn academic credit, gain vocational experience and practice skills learned in therapies. Activities are aligned with IEPs and student-centered plans. A sample of farming tasks includes sorting, weighing, and learning marketing strategies. Our special education teachers are trained in a variety of evidenced-based teaching methodologies. Curriculum objectives and goals are based on the needs of individual students and IEP team discussions. A low student-to-staff ratio of nearly two to one allows us to identify and address the needs of each child. Continuous progress monitoring of individual goals and objectives guide educational and curriculum decisions for each student placed at Sierra Foothills Academy.
