Community partnering for a brighter future.

​

The Focus Academy Transition Program is a physically separate program from the high school, with a different start and end time. Applicants must have completed all high school requirements through the 12th grade, and must have deferred receipt of their high school diploma. 

 

The Transition Program emphasizes the skills needed for participants through age 22 to achieve a full and satisfying life. The program is built on these key tenets: 

• Experiences

• Choices

• Responsibilities

• Connections

Our Transition Program uses these concepts as the basis for structuring the curriculum and experiences for individual students.

The Focus Academy Transition Program has two phases:

Stage 1: On-campus training and preparation
Stage 2: Community-based workplace internships

If your student has completed the 9-12 grade program at Focus Academy, they are already well on their way to learning key skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. The curriculum at Focus Academy weaves social skills practice throughout the school day, and academic classes use real-world examples to reinforce skills needed for future independence.  

 

It is extremely important that students are able to follow rules and safety guidelines as implemented. Students work in a variety of settings and must remain professional and courteous. Students are expected to arrive promptly on time at their job locations. Please note that students are more independent and have less supervision than on a school campus; students must be able to safely navigate these areas with minimal support.
 

​

Practical learning, positive experience.

​

Transition Program curriculum is approached in workshop format to move students into increasing independence. Class or workshop topics include:

​

• Nutrition and Food Science

• ​Drama Therapy and Role Playing

• Project Management

• Financial Skills

• Workplace Etiquette, Safety, & Communication

• Practical Math & Reading

• Adaptive Skills

• Technology Skills

• Travel Training

• Independent Living Skills

• Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination

​

Classroom learning is paired with frequent trips into the community. These outings provide meaningful learning opportunities for students to engage in daily living activities while fostering developmental and academic growth. 

Transition Program faculty and staff work with students to improve interpersonal communication, task-oriented attention to detail, personal accountability and responsibility, to help students progress toward a level of competence in the workplace.
 

Community experiences, employable skills.

​

When appropriate, students begin community-based workplace internship opportunities.  Internship responsibilities will vary widely by student and by organization, but each is customized for the individual student’s needs. 

Once matched with an internship, students report to their assigned workplace up to three times a week for a given number of hours. Students are supervised and supported by a Focus Academy employability coach while on the job. 

The Focus Academy Transition Program strives to give every student real world experience for future success.