Our Focus on Academics

Advanced Ed Logo
Engaging and dynamic academics are an integral part of the broader residential experience at Alabama Clinical Schools. Our Educational Programming offers onsite educational services with low teacher to student ratios to encourage our students to develop a love of learning. Students work at their own pace and level in classes that are suited to their needs and abilities. Flexible daily schedules allow them to earn academic credits while also focusing on their therapeutic goals and outcomes, creating a more holistic environment for learning and healing.

Program Details

Elementary student reading book in library
Within one month of arrival, each student takes a series of tests that help us understand his learning preferences and abilities. Academic staff then thoroughly reviews test results and prior transcripts to tailor the curriculum directly to the needs of the student. For students eligible under Federal and State law/requirements, staff creates an Individual Education Plan (IEP). If needed, special education teachers provide students with appropriate accommodations and modifications according to their IEP. Every six months, students are re-tested to optimize their progress and classwork for the best educational and therapeutic outcomes.

Features of the program include:

  • A fully accredited curriculum with daily classes
  • Diploma-track coursework
  • Accredited by AdvancED®
  • Special education for students with learning disabilities
  • Recreational therapy sessions 
  • Additional leisure and physical activities
  • Access to a school library

Serving Complex Needs

Our educators understand the treatment students receive while at our facility depends on the ability of the students to read, comprehend, and understand the treatment material and therapeutic sessions, as well as write legibly and coherently. On average, 55-60% of the entire Alabama Clinical Schools’ student population qualifies for and receives special education services, compared to typical public schools, which average at 14%. Our teachers understand the complexities of educating students with significant grade-level gaps in reading and math, as well as teaching in a multi-grade class setting. As a result, our teachers collaborate extensively with each other and the treatment team resulting in consistent increases in reading and math skills and scores of the students.

Improved student outcomes include:

  • The average percent of students reading in the 25th percentile: 73.14%
  • The average percent of students in the 25th percentile in math: 73.28%
  • The average increase in reading and math scores while at ACS (Grade Equivalent/GE): 3.1

Education Department Teachers

Joy Majors-Fox – Science and Special Education Teacher
Rachel Nichols – English Language Arts and Lead Teacher
Cherisse Rogers – STFC Teacher
Patricia McLemore – Librarian IDEA Teachers Aide
Teneka Alston– Math teacher
Debra Rodzinak– Social Studies teacher

Our Focus on Academics

Advanced Ed Logo

Engaging and dynamic academics are an integral part of the broader residential experience at Alabama Clinical Schools. Our Educational Programming offers onsite educational services with low teacher to student ratios to encourage our students to develop a love of learning. Students work at their own pace and level in classes that are suited to their needs and abilities. Flexible daily schedules allow them to earn academic credits while also focusing on their therapeutic goals and outcomes, creating a more holistic environment for learning and healing.

Program Details

Elementary student reading book in library

Within one month of arrival, each student takes a series of tests that help us understand his learning preferences and abilities. Academic staff then thoroughly reviews test results and prior transcripts to tailor the curriculum directly to the needs of the student. For students eligible under Federal and State law/requirements, staff creates an Individual Education Plan (IEP). If needed, special education teachers provide students with appropriate accommodations and modifications according to their IEP. Every six months, students are re-tested to optimize their progress and classwork for the best educational and therapeutic outcomes.

Features of the program include:

  • A fully accredited curriculum with daily classes
  • Diploma-track coursework
  • Accredited by AdvancED®
  • Special education for students with learning disabilities
  • Recreational therapy sessions 
  • Additional leisure and physical activities
  • Access to a school library

Serving Complex Needs

Our educators understand the treatment students receive while at our facility depends on the ability of the students to read, comprehend, and understand the treatment material and therapeutic sessions, as well as write legibly and coherently. On average, 55-60% of the entire Alabama Clinical Schools’ student population qualifies for and receives special education services, compared to typical public schools, which average at 14%. Our teachers understand the complexities of educating students with significant grade-level gaps in reading and math, as well as teaching in a multi-grade class setting. As a result, our teachers collaborate extensively with each other and the treatment team resulting in consistent increases in reading and math skills and scores of the students.

Improved student outcomes include:

  • The average percent of students reading in the 25th percentile: 73.14%
  • The average percent of students in the 25th percentile in math: 73.28%
  • The average increase in reading and math scores while at ACS (Grade Equivalent/GE): 3.1

Education Department Teachers

Joy Majors-Fox – Science and Special Education Teacher
Rachel Nichols – English Language Arts and Lead Teacher
Cherisse Rogers – STFC Teacher
Patricia McLemore – Librarian IDEA Teachers Aide
Teneka Alston– Math teacher
Debra Rodzinak– Social Studies teacher

help

We’re Always Here to Help

Licensed mental health professionals are available 24/7 to schedule a no-cost, mental health assessments by calling 205-836-9923. For questions about our programs, you can also use our online contact form. In the case of a medical emergency or crisis, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.