SKILLS Private Academy
Special Kids Individualized Learning Life Skills
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LIFE SKILLS AND SOCIAL SKILLS
The focus at SKILLS is readiness for adult living and contribution to our community. Our curriculum comes from Unique and real vocational experiences. Subjects include emotional identification and regulation, cooking, personal hygiene, toileting, and other functional life skills. Students learn about future career choices through community-based field trips to local businesses as well as interactions with guests who visit our school.
In Fall of 2025, SKILLS will begin partnering with Cochise College to allow high school
students the opportunity to earn professional certificates in a trade of their interest.
About SKILLS Private Academy
Highly qualified teachers and staff teach students where and how they are willing to learn. We provide differentiated lessons that follow the Arizona State Standards in these areas:
READING AND WRITING
Students are taught using grade-level standards, with modified lessons and accommodations students can easily access content. Individualized attention means maximum progress. Teachers use curriculum from Shurley, Unique, and Read Naturally. Students have the latest technology available in Chromebooks and iPads to provide practice safe written language and closely monitored research opportunities.
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MATH
The curriculum used to teach math includes Unique, TouchMath, and Saxon. Teachers use manipulatives along with several other resources to focus on real-life use of math skills. While learning grade-level math standards, students are taught, to exchange money in the community, make a budget, use measurements in recipes, and more. Students have measured and built raised beds for a garden. Math is hands-on and relevant.
SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES
Science and social studies curricula are taught in units using Unique and individualized upper-level lessons aligned to state standards. Students are also given access to local area resources and interaction within the community to learn through hands-on experiences. Some of our community-based field trips include visits to Coronado National Memorial, San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, Colossal Cave, and Ramsey Canyon, Patterson Observatory, and the Air and Space Museum. Each year students have an opportunity to participate in a school-wide science fair where classes work together produce one class project.
SPEECH, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy by licensed therapists are offered to students who qualify for services based on their IEP
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APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
SKILLS recognizes the value of ABA therapy in order to gently assist students with behavioral needs. SKILLS partners with agencies who provide ABA services by allowing one on one outside therapists to work with their clients during the school day. This practice allows for maximum student success.
C.A.N.T.E.R.
Therapeutic horseback riding is available for students who wish to participate in equine therapy. SKILLS partners with Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources (CANTER) for horse-based therapy. Students attend and either ride, groom or work toward approaching and accepting their horse.
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COMMUNITY-BASED FIELD TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
Education at SKILLS is enhanced by monthly field trips and activities. Students learn by studying animal adaptations, riparian life, local flora and fauna, astronomy, and geoscience directly from Rangers in local national and state parks. Students plan and shop for events at local stores and practice communication and social skills at local coffee shops, salons, and restaurants. Activities such as the Halloween Carnival, Christmas party, Science Fair, and Talent Shows motivate student pride and participation. SKILLS students in grades 7-12 are invited to attend the local high school special education Prom each May. In addition, students are invited to attend special after-school clubs to learn ukulele, choir, theater, sports, art, and more.
Mission Statement
We lovingly serve students and their families by providing inspiration and empowerment through an enriched and individualized education.
Vision Statement
As the leader in individualized special education, our students grow without limitations to become their authentic selves and enrich their community.