The Westview School is a small, structured and supportive college preparatory program for students grades 6-12 with learning, attention and/or mild emotional problems. The program is open to motivated students of average to superior intellectual ability who are underachieving in traditional school settings and could benefit from a more personalized academic program. We begin with the premise that the best learning environment is one that is personalized to meet students' individual needs. We recognize that there are many young people who have personality traits or learning modality strengths and weaknesses, which require individual attention. We also understand that the special needs, interests and abilities of many students are not fully addressed in a regular classroom setting. Therefore, at Westview we seek to integrate the best of a traditional education experience with an atmosphere of behavioral structure, program flexibility, positive reinforcement and individualization.
Secondly, our commitment is to the development of well-integrated young people. We have found that students previously considered to be failures often respond successfully to a positive personalized program within a classroom setting. Upon admission to Westview, students are screened academically, socially and emotionally. Instruction begins at their actual functioning level, with goals set that are attainable rather than frustrating. Academic and social tasks are planned to promote success and increase self-esteem and motivation. Students are encouraged to experience personal satisfaction in their own achievements. For many students, Westview is the first positive experience they have had with school.
In our effort to develop "integrated" persons, we believe in a multifaceted approach to education. The Westview program offers students a wide variety of traditional educational experience by providing a full complement of academic courses, extra-curricular activities, and enrichment program in areas not usually open to students of special education. Usually, through this new experience of repeated successes, students begin to take an interest in school and find it a rewarding experience. |
