Academic programs
Spaulding Academy offers year-round, comprehensive special educational services for students with emotional and behavioral disorders in grades K-8 and students with neurobehavioral disorders from kindergarten to age 22.
Certified year-round, comprehensive educational services
Spaulding Academy holds State of New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) approval as a Special Education and Non-Public School. Certified teachers and professionals provide instruction with modification and accommodation as outlined by each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). To support students’ IEPs, Spaulding Academy offers on-site related services, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, social work and ABA services. Spaulding Academy utilizes evidenced-based approaches with comprehensive educational programming tailored to improve student performance in academic, behavioral, adaptive, social and career skills. Spaulding Academy serves a diverse student body with a wide range of primary educational disabilities including: autism, emotional handicap, intellectual disability, other health impairment, speech or language impairment, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay and multiple disabilities.
Curriculum
In addition to core academic subjects, Spaulding Academy’s Special Education School offers:
Core academic subjects
Spaulding Academy provides direct instruction for all core academic subjects. Spaulding’s curriculum is approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Our Special Education Teachers modify the curriculum and provide accommodations for each student as they are outlined in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Physical education
Physical education class allows our students to leave their classroom and participate in many different activities and sports. Some of our students’ favorite activities include soccer, basketball and badminton. Physical activity is crucial in strengthening bones and muscles, improving cardiovascular function and boosting mental well-being.
Library and computer skills
Our library offers a wide range of books suitable for all ages and reading levels, available for students to borrow. During library class, some classes read novels, while others enjoy picture books read aloud. Many of the books we feature align with our Choose Love theme, fostering a positive and supportive environment. In addition to reading, library sessions include technology lessons where students explore computer basics, including typing and coding, through online tutorials and guided classroom instruction.
Experiential Challenges Outdoors (EChO)
In the heart of the Experiential Challenges Outdoors (EChO) program is the belief that every student should have the opportunity for the kind of growth that comes from real adventure. With carefully-planned and designed activities as well as cutting-edge adaptive equipment and techniques, our students learn to embrace challenges and take positive risks in a variety of outdoor activities.
Career exploration, education and training
Spaulding Academy offers comprehensive career exploration and training opportunities to help students discover and develop their professional interests. Through hands-on programs, students gain real-world skills and insights into various industries. Spaulding’s team collaborates closely with the student’s external team to develop a meaningful transition plan.
Arts Program
The Arts Program at Spaulding Academy offers our students the opportunity to explore and develop their creativity within the visual arts, music and theater. Our curriculum is designed to foster self-expression through diverse artistic mediums while focusing on the child’s needs. Incorporating social-emotional learning, our Arts Program creates a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves and use art as a powerful form of communication.
Choose Love Movement
The Choose Love Movement is a significant and meaningful aspect of education at Spaulding, as it is woven into the fabric of our school, and the program’s values align closely with our own. The Choose Love Movement is a nonprofit that provides free Character Social Emotional Development programs with a mission to create safer and more loving communities. In 2024, Spaulding became the world’s first Choose Love-certified campus. Our staff receives regular training through in-person Choose Love masterclasses taught by the program’s founder, Scarlett Lewis, to learn best practices for teaching the program on our campus. To learn more about the Choose Love Movement, please visit their website.
Services
Our collaborative team of experts delivers individually-tailored services to complement a student’s learning plan. Extensive services are provided through Spaulding Academy, Residential Programs, Clinical Services, Community-Based Services and Foster Care Programs.
FAQs
What is the staffing of Spaulding Academy's classrooms?
Every classroom is led by a certified Special Education Teacher and a Teaching Associate. Additional Paraeducator support is available as needed.
What is the average size of a class?
Class size ranges from 7-10 students, depending on enrollment, capabilities and staffing.
How are classroom assignments made?
Students are assessed for their academic and social needs and are grouped according to those needs. We are a coed facility.
Is your school facility conducive to teaching and learning for students with special needs?
Yes, Spaulding Academy is a special education school approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
How long is the school day/year?
School is in session from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, or six hours a day, for 236 days per year, including summer session. Spaulding Academy is a year-round program.
Questions?
Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about how Spaulding Academy can help your student reach their full potential.