Academic Program

A genuine academic education for children with challenging learning needs

We are "late intervention" advocates. We promote the scientifically proven view that our students' nervous systems are still developing and that significant progress can be achieved throughout adolescence and well into adulthood. We begin by isolating each student's unique learning strengths and weaknesses. This means that we consider each student's learning needs separately from the characteristics inherent in the diagnoses and "academic labels" they have received.

A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment also serves as a road map to help teachers develop effective individualized programming to target students' needs.

LCA's comprehensive program includes instruction in academics, daily physical education, and social skills training. Instruction is experiential and hands-on, with many small group and one-to-one teaching opportunities.

Systematic instruction in critical thinking also helps our students to progress beyond the 10-12 year age level of concrete thinking. Our teachers and therapists teach students critical thinking skills in a subject called "Thinking and Communication Skills". Students gain better awareness of "gray area" thinking so they can understand what influences their behavior and that of others. The result is improved behavior and academic performance, enabling students to move through adolescence and into adulthood with more awareness and confidence.

Learning Circle Academy's curriculum meets and exceeds Michigan Department of Education guidelines and reporting requirements, allowing students to receive Auxiliary Services and easily transfer their credits to other schools and colleges.