Academy Admissions
Finding the right educational setting is an important decision, and we work closely with families and school districts to determine whether Clare Woods Academy can provide the support a student needs to grow, belong, and thrive.
How does a student become enrolled at Clare Woods Academy?
The enrollment process begins when a student’s home school district IEP team determines that an alternative educational placement may be appropriate. With parent or guardian consent, the district provides Clare Woods Academy with the documents needed for consideration. These typically include the student’s most recent IEP and three-year reevaluation.
Our admissions team carefully reviews this information to better understand the student’s strengths, needs, and goals. We also consider whether space is available in a classroom equipped to provide the appropriate level of educational, therapeutic, and behavioral support.
If Clare Woods Academy appears to be an appropriate placement, the next steps may include:
Observing the student in their current educational setting
Inviting the parent or guardian to tour Clare Woods Academy
Meeting with the family virtually or in person
Holding an intake meeting with the Clare Woods Academy team to finalize placement and prepare for the student’s transition
Every student’s journey is different, so the admissions process may vary based on their individual needs and circumstances.
Who is eligible to attend Clare Woods Academy?
Clare Woods Academy serves students ages 5 through 22 at the elementary, middle school, high school, and transition levels. Students must be eligible for special education services and require an alternative educational placement, as determined by their home school district’s IEP team.
We specialize in supporting students with diverse learning, developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs, including students on the autism spectrum. Our individualized approach brings education, therapeutic services, behavioral support, and opportunities for personal growth together within a caring and supportive community.
Placement at Clare Woods Academy requires approval and referral from the student’s home school district. Families who believe Clare Woods Academy may be a good fit are encouraged to begin the conversation with their student’s district IEP team.
Our students come to Clare Woods Academy from more than 30 public school districts throughout the region.
Clare Woods Academy welcomes students of any race, color, sex, nationality, or ethnic origin and provides equal access to all programs, rights, privileges, and activities.
At Clare Woods Academy, success does not look the same for every student. We meet each student where they are and build upon their strengths through individualized education, therapeutic support, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to develop greater confidence and independence. Our admissions team carefully reviews this information to better understand the student’s strengths, needs, and goals. We also consider whether space is available in a classroom equipped to provide the appropriate level of educational, therapeutic, and behavioral support.
Individualized Support and Reintegration
When reintegration into a student’s home school district is an appropriate goal, our team works collaboratively with the student, family, and district to help make that transition possible. Individualized plans identify and strengthen the skills and behaviors the student will need to succeed in the least restrictive environment.
Progress is monitored through ongoing data collection and reviewed regularly by the student’s educational team, including during the annual IEP process. This allows us to celebrate growth, respond to changing needs, and thoughtfully plan each student’s next steps.
Whether a student continues their journey at Clare Woods Academy or prepares to transition to another educational setting, our goal remains the same: to empower them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to achieve their fullest potential.
