Academy360 Upper School

Academy360 Upper School is an NJ State Board of Education Approved Private School for students in high school through age 21 with autism and related disabilities. Our curriculum emphasizes academics, incorporating real-world experiences and life and social skills training to support students in all areas of development. Young adults age 18 to 21 focus on transitioning to independence.

We build on foundational skills while focusing on the specialized support services, strong academics, life skills and career development services students need. With the addition of special areas including art, music and video production, as well as sports and enrichment clubs, Academy360 Upper School students discover a community that’s right for them.

We also provide services for students who need a more traditional self-contained classroom environment.

Our Young Adult Program (YAP) offers students age 18-21 a full day program which supports transition into adulthood. YAP students receive the tools they need to become as independent as possible through integrated, community-based learning opportunities. Our goal is to ensure a seamless transition from the security of the school environment to the increased choice and self-direction that comes with adulthood.

Students graduate with the necessary linkages to post-secondary supports.

YAP includes:

• Community based instruction: curriculum-driven outings to increase independence in community settings
• NJ TIP travel training
• Focus on daily living skills
• Continued career instruction
• Adult education and monthly socials for students and alumni
• Preparation for post-YAP plans

Academy360 provides Related Services in accordance with each of our students’ IEPs, including Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy. Additional services include Supplemental Reading, Behavioral Therapies and Counseling.

Our team of therapists, specialists, behaviorists and clinicians work together to determine the right plan of action to best serve each student’s individual needs and personality.

In addition to the traditional and functional academics of our school programs, our curriculum, electives, extracurricular activities and related services all incorporate real world lessons necessary for independence. We aim to provide our students with the essential skills to live their lives to the fullest.

Our Daily Living Skills curriculum covers:

• Personal Appearance and Hygiene
• Housekeeping Skills
• Meal Planning and Preparation
• Money Management
• Safety
• Leisure
• Community Service
• Self-advocacy

In our Life Skills apartment, students practice steps of daily life — from preparing meals to washing and putting away clothes. The apartment also serves as a natural environment for hygiene instruction and other lessons taught by therapists at the school.

Through Community-Based Instruction (CBI), class trips, respite and other outings, our students practice skills in real-world settings, taking part in experiences enjoyed by peers at traditional schools. Community-Based Work Experience (CBWE) and pre-vocational training prepare them for the next steps as they mature.

Learn more about Life Skills, CBI and CBWE at Academy360:

• Teaching Students the Skills They Need For An Independent Life
• Teaching Life Skills From a Distance Takes Teamwork
• Practice Makes Perfect – CBI Teaches Skills For The Real World
• Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Pays It Forward

We provide our students with typical experiences found at all schools. Our activities help them interact with their peers in a relaxed social setting, encouraging them to create friendships and lasting memories — a central part of any childhood and adolescence.

All of our classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology resources.

We have a 1-1 device program and students can receive an iPad and/or laptop for school use.

Desktop computers, iPads, and handheld devices are used to deliver individualized and differentiated curricular instruction and learning assessments for each student.

We have Promethean Boards in each classroom for curriculum delivery in group and individual instruction.

Instructional staff are trained in the appropriate use of these devices and associated instructional software, and also when and how best to deploy them with students.

For continuity during the month of July, students can participate in our Extended School Year (ESY) program. Students receive a full day of instruction to help maintain the academic, social/emotional, behavioral and pre-vocational growth achieved during the regular school year.

From swimming and hiking, to our annual and much anticipated S360 Sports Day/Field Day, the ESY opportunity exposes students to different opportunities.

Parents receive information regarding the upcoming ESY program before the end of Spring term.

PSO360 (Parent-Staff Organization) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose objective is to fund raise, support and sponsor events for the students, families, staff and alumni of all Academy360 programs. All families are encouraged and invited to join. Membership to PSO360 has many benefits. It allows all members to participate, provide input and vote at monthly PSO meetings, access a family directory, as well as volunteer to join various fundraising and event committees in the hopes of enhancing every learner’s experience at Academy360. To learn more about PSO360, visit their website.