Academics

The Y.A.L.E. School’s curriculum emphasizes ongoing academic achievement. We use evidence-based teaching methods to maximize each student’s opportunities for intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

Teachers at The Y.A.L.E. School frequently assess student performance. They meet in teams to decide how each student’s instruction can be fine-tuned to maximize continued progress toward IEP goals.

This systematic process, called formative assessment, allows teachers to match instructional strategies to a student’s level and learning needs. Students receive academic instruction in:

Levels of instruction vary by campus and are based on the needs of each student. Students at some of our campuses may be at or above grade level, while those on other campuses may be below grade level and will need significant modifications and adaptions to the curriculum (see sample high school curriculum grid below for example).

Many of The Y.A.L.E. School’s campuses offer individualized instruction in reading and written expression. For students who need systematic instruction in phonics or other aspects of reading, The Y.A.L.E. School uses specialized, evidence-based approaches.

Because reading is challenging to so many of our students, certified reading specialists routinely consult with teachers to discuss student progress, monitor the effectiveness of instructional strategies, and, if needed, adapt instruction.

Teachers at The Y.A.L.E. School use many ways to teach, including tutoring, direct instruction, discrete trial teaching, strategy instruction, peer-based learning, and small interactive group instruction.

High School Curriculum Example

(for Cherry Hill, Northfield, and Williamstown campuses only)

*Exceptions to the curriculum listed below may be made based upon individual students’ needs.

Track I Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
English English 1: Multicultural Literature English 2: Mystery & Adventure English 3: American Literature English 4: World Literature
Math Algebra or Geometry Geometry or Algebra 2 Algebra 2 or Trigonometry Trigonometry or Calculus
Science Biology Chemistry Physics Anatomy
Social Studies World Geography US History 1 US History 2 Economics
Track II Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
English English 1: Bridges to Literature or Language of Literature English 2: Bridges to Literature or Language of Literature English 3: Literature of Language English 4: English Composition or Language of Literature
Math Life Skills Math Fundamentals of Algebra or Consumer Math Fundamentals of Geometry or Fundamentals of Algebra Math for World of Work or
Fundamentals of Geometry
Science Earth Science Biology Physical Science Environmental Science
Social Studies World History US History 1 US History 2 Civics