Essex Academy Lower School

Essex Academy Lower School serves students who have a documented history of emotional, behavioral and/or psychiatric needs. The school provides students with individual academic and therapeutic support services during the school day, with the ultimate goal of the student attaining a sufficient degree of behavioral and emotional health to allow a return to his/her community. Essex Academy Lower School provides a small, structured academic and therapeutic environment for students who are currently unable to make progress in the regular school setting because of their social/emotional needs. Students’ behaviors are acknowledged as a message of needs, such as self-esteem, belonging, safety, security, and self-actualization.

The goal of the curriculum at Essex Academy Lower School is to improve the quality of life for students through explicit instruction of social and coping skills, all while maintaining high expectations or academic instruction. For continued care, family and district involvement is encouraged and training is provided when applicable. Staff members work to ensure that students do not feel that maladaptive communication is the only outlet for them. Students engage in behavioral skills training to develop functional communication skills for getting their needs met and making meaningful relationships with adults and peers. Students also learn to identify feelings, emotions, and coping skills through clinical support and an environment that fosters risk taking through trust and relationship building. Individual and group counseling is available to all students on a daily basis, as needed.