THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PROGRAM (CAP)
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The Arlington School
Suzanne Loughlin, Program Director
Maureen Principe, Educational Administrator
The Arlington School is a nationally recognized, Department of Education approved, private high school, providing specialized educational services to adolescents with substantial psychiatric needs.
Introduction
Founded in 1961, the school serves up to 48 day students with social, emotional, and/or learning disabilities. Most students live at home and are referred by their public school systems. Parents may also privately place their children at the school and independently pay tuition.
The Arlington School is an 11-month program that coincides with the traditional school calendar, September to June, with the addition of a summer session in July. Unlike traditional schools, students can be enrolled at any time within the 11-month program.
Collaboration of on-site Staff Specialists and Educators
The school's clinical services are an integral part of a highly individualized program for each student. Teachers and clinical staff work closely with outside therapists and schools in the community to address the academic, emotional and behavioral problems that have disrupted a student's previous schooling.
To foster success and focus on academic work, students participate in small-group counseling sessions. The Arlington School prides itself on the personalized attention that students receive.
A transition specialist assists students with all aspects of post high school planning, including: PSAT & SAT preparation, the college application process and career education. Transition services are also provided for students getting ready to return to their home schools.
The Curriculum
The Arlington School offers a fully aligned curriculum, with classroom instruction in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, U.S. History, World History and History electives, Physical Education, Fitness and Health. Many students excel through our well known Creative Arts program. The variety of courses include: Studio Art, Ceramics, Photography, Media Arts, Computer Graphics Drama and Creative Writing.
The Arlington School has received wide acclaim for its arts program. Every year, students compete in the the annual Small Independent School Art League (SISAL) juried show of New England. Invariably, each year, Arlington students win multiple awards.
Our educational programs are specifically designed for each student's ability. To determine if a student is ready to return to school in the community, before or after graduation, the following factors are considered:
- the individual's capacity to improve and manage academic expectations;
- the student's ability to keep pace with their peers; and,
- how the student handles routine, classroom pressures.
Some students enroll for a year or less, while others remain for longer periods of time. Students who have satisfactorily completed the high school requirements are awarded a diploma, either from the Arlington School or the student's own community high school.
Graduates of the Arlington School have gone on to highly competitive four-year colleges, two-year programs, vocational training schools and full-time careers.
School Highlights
- High teacher/student ratio allows for individual attention within a small class
- Full alignment with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, adapted to the learning styles of each student
- Use of varied learning tools, including computers, interactive videos, text books, laboratory activities, distance learning courses, hands on projects, photography, and various mediums of art and drama
- Updated facilities, including a science lab, library, darkroom for photography, art studio, computer lab, as well as, computers in every classroom, and access to a state-of-the-art fitness center
- Highly qualified, certified and experienced teachers
- On-site counseling by qualified licensed counselors and psychologists
- Transitional assistance with all aspects of post high school planning
- Health and physical education activities, adapted as needed
- School nurse on site
- Clinical consultation from highly qualified physicians, including, psychiatrists and psychologists from McLean Hospital
- Collaboration with student's home schools and ancillary service providers
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Arlington School Students Have Said…
- "I came to the Arlington School because I wanted to learn. I have learned. The teachers are extremely dedicated and caring. If you show an interest, they will give as much knowledge and insight as they possess."
- "The Arlington School helps me out academically and emotionally. It's easy to get along with everyone here because the teachers, kids and clinical staff are great. I enjoy [my time at] this school."
- "The staff at the Arlington School is very supportive; they really care. You learn everything you need to know and have fun too."
An Arlington School Parent Has Said...
- "At Arlington, my son grew from a lonely, frightened, and unapproachable child who could not bear to be in school, to a young man with lasting friendships and confidence in himself, who takes pleasure in learning and delights in exploring the world."
For Information and Services
All inquiries regarding admission to the Arlington School may be directed to Suzanne Loughlin, Program Director, at 617.855.2124, or e-mailed to loughls@mcleanpo.mclean.org