Academy at SOAR Brochure_2018

Adventure School for Students with Learning & Attention Challenges

soarnc.org

OUR MISSION

To provide academic instruction, experiential education, interpersonal life skills development and outdoor adventure-based programming to youth living with learning and attention challenges.

The Academy at SOAR is an adventure-based boarding school for grades 7–12 that offers a unique combination of academics, adventure, and life skills development to prepare students academically, socially, and emotionally for adulthood. Emphasis is placed on developing the whole child, applying knowledge to real situations, and role modeling the competence to thrive independently. As a result, students enter their future with new self-awareness and a sense of empowerment , a zest for learning, and self-sufficiency unknown before.

STUDENT PROFILE Our students are bright, adventurous, creative, curious, and unique.

They are also caring and like to be helpful to those around them. Our students generally enjoy the outdoors, are energetic and active, and thrive in a small group environment.

Many of our students have experienced difficulties in traditional academic settings, resulting from a variety of factors, including but not limited to learning and attention challenges, negative feedback and interactions with peers and teachers, inability to self-advocate, underdeveloped social skills, bullying, lack of interest at school, and poor academic performance.

ACADEMICS

Students alternate between two weeks of campus academics and two weeks on expedition field studies. This combination provides a unique learning environment that keeps students engaged in their academics.

We believe that flexibility in instructional methods is not only necessary but crucial to meet the needs of each student.

Small class sizes and communication between students and teachers allow us to better understand our students’ individual needs and make appropriate accommodations. We utilize experiential learning whenever possible to make academic experiences more relevant and meaningful. We also seek to change the relationship our students have with school. By creating a learning environment that works for them, our students become aware of their unique strengths, as well as challenges, along with techniques to overcome academic hurdles. Our classrooms are a safe and accepting learning environment that allow students to make mistakes and experience success.

COURSE OFFERINGS Course Offerings are Subject to Change

Math Middle School Math Pre-Algebra Integrated Math 1-3 Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry Pre-Calculus Science Middle School Science Environmental Science Physical Science Biology Chemistry

Language Arts English 7-12 Social Studies Middle School Social Studies World History US History 1 & 2 Government Electives PE & Health Outdoor Leadership Life Skills/ Independent Living College & Career Prep Spanish 1 & 2*

The Academy at SOAR is proudly accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.

Students planning a trip to Mars at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum near Washington, DC. SOARNC.ORG | 828-456-3435

*Spanish 1 & 2 is only offered in the summer through the Peru Spanish Immersion Program and is not included in the school year tuition.

ADVENTURE

We believe that the outdoors can be a powerful teacher and motivator for our students. Our students are able to learn in a natural environment, away from distractions. This setting is critical in helping our students remain engaged in their academics. Expedition curriculum is developed to be relevant to each expedition locale. For example, students backpacking in the Nantahala National Forest will read Cherokee folktales about the region, learn about Civil War battle sites nearby, plot their course on a grid, and study deciduous trees commonly encountered in the area. Our teachers prepare lessons and activities for students to complete while on expedition. Field Instructors facilitate the academic lessons and assist students with assignments.

ADVENTURES MAY INCLUDE Canoeing on Lake Jocassee, SC Rocking Climbing in the New River Gorge, WV Backpacking in Shenandoah National Park, WV Backpacking in Big Bend National Park, TX Exploring Carlsbad Cavern, TX Exploring Historical Savannah, GA Exploring Historical Washington, DC Canoeing on the Suwanee River, FL Scuba Diving & Sea Kayaking in the FL Keys Exploring Mayan Ruins, Belize Hiking in the Ozarks, AR Each school year the expedition schedule rotates so that students benefit from a variety of experiences.

Canoeing the Buffalo River, AR Exploring Volcano Arenal, Costa Rica Diving among Coral Reefs in Cozumel, Mexico

LIFE SKILLS

As part of our mission to develop the whole child, the Academy at SOAR helps students develop life skills that are essential for success in and out of the classroom. Students are challenged and encouraged to take responsibility for all aspects of their life and to develop life skills through involvement in food planning and preparation, hygiene, budgeting, and financial accountability. Many of our students struggle with executive functioning skills, therefore we focus on developing time management and organizational skills. There is also a heavy emphasis on teaching effective communication and collaborative skills.

SELF-ADVOCACY The school year begins with all distractions removed. As students make progress toward their goals, they can advocate for additional needs or desires. They are responsible for developing a proposal clearly stating what they are requesting, why they feel their proposal should be approved, potential reasons why their proposal may be denied, arguments addressing these potential concerns, and guidelines they will follow if the proposal is approved. The Proposal System is designed to give students an appropriate way to request desired changes or privileges and to teach them critical thinking and decision-making skills. This process allows students to get their needs and desires met in a reasonable way, while helping them develop a skill that can be used at home and as they transition into a college or workplace setting.

PERU SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAM 8-Week Summer Course Spanish I or II

The Peru Spanish Immersion Program gives students an opportunity to earn foreign language credit during summer break. Students will live and attend school in Cusco, the historic center of the Incan Empire.

Students’ interactions with locals through daily tasks and responsibilities and extending to their travels, provide consistent opportunities to practice, learn, and refine their conversational Spanish in a variety of situations.

Students will discover the incredible diversity of Peru as they travel from the snow-covered highlands, to the high plains deserts, and through the Amazon jungle basin. They will also visit places such as Puno and Machu Picchu. *This program is not included in the school year tuition.*

“I dropped off a lost and broken 15 year old boy who had his self-confidence torn to shreds, who was desperately trying to do better, to change, to figure things out and failing.

A boy whose future I was having trouble envisioning. Today, that same boy has learned to cope, learned things that aren’t taught in public school, has gained an immense amount of confidence in himself and today he is graduating from high school and making decisions about the next steps in his life.�

OUR CAMPUS

QUICK FACTS Grades 7th-12th Coed 32 Total Students 8 Students Per House 8 Expeditions Per Year Avg. of 6 Students per Class Accredited SACS-CA

The Academy at SOAR has a total of 32 students, with 8 students in each house. Each house is assigned two instructors while on campus and while on expedition. While on campus, students live in bunk style cabins and share common areas. Meals are prepared each weekday by our cook, and students are responsible for preparing their own meals as a team on the weekends. The typical school day is very structured but similar to what your student may be used to already. Students attend class from 8:30 am–3:30 pm with lunch and small breaks between classes. After school, students have structured time set aside to complete homework with the assistance of instructors. Evening activities are planned before or after dinner.

How do I know the Academy at SOAR is the right choice for my child?

Our students often lack motivation for learning and are in need of a new learning environment.

Many of our students struggle with social skills, impulsivity, inattention, school avoidance or school work avoidance and disruptive behaviors. Most students have been diagnosed ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. Despite these challenges, our students are of average to above average intelligence. The additional presence of depression, anxiety, and other similar conditions is common. All students choose to attend and participate in the Academy at SOAR. It is important to note that the Academy at SOAR is not a therapeutic program, and we are unable to accept students with suicidal ideation/attempts, psychotic symptoms, acute/chronic violence, drug addiction, or severe behavioral and conduct disorders.

Will my child receive a quality education?

The Academy at SOAR is a fully accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Upon completion, your child will receive a high school diploma.

Should your child transfer before graduation, they will receive full academic credit for all completed courses. Prior to attending the Academy at SOAR, we will carefully examine your child’s academic transcripts to determine the appropriate course load for each student

based on their grade level. Provided that your child is motivated to learn and completes all of their coursework, we are confident that your child will be successful academically at the Academy at SOAR.

How often will I get to see and speak to my child?

Students have scheduled phone calls with parents during each campus phase. Students can also submit proposals to have access to personal email and/or their cell phone to stay in touch. Breaks are scheduled on average every two months to allow students time to visit home.

How long do students attend the Academy at SOAR?

Many students attend for 2+ years depending on their grade level. We do have students attend all four years of high school and graduate with us! We believe that you will see the most growth over a longer period of time.

We will work with your family to determine the best educational plan for your student.

SOARNC.ORG | 828-456-3435 SOARNC.ORG | 828-456-3435

HOW TO APPLY 1. Complete the online application at soarnc.org. A $100 application fee is required. You will be required to submit the following supporting documents.

• Academic Transcript & Current Grades • IEP or 504 Plan (if available) • Psycho-educational Evaluation (if available) 2. Once your application is received, we will review it and contact you to schedule a visit or phone interview with you, your child, and our Head of School. *A final decision cannot be made until all documents are submitted. A deposit is due upon acceptance.

Want to schedule a visit?

Contact our Admissions Office at 828-456-3435 or email us at admissions@soarnc.org to schedule a campus visit!

ABOUT SOAR

SOAR is an accredited summer camp, boarding school, and gap year program serving youth & young adults with learning & attention issues in locations across the country. Created in 1977 by an adult with learning disabilities, SOAR provides fun and successful experiences so that participants may gain a greater awareness of their own strengths and build self-confidence. Campers, Students, and Gappers are challenged in a variety of adventure activities and stretched beyond their comfort zone with lessons learned from these experiences related back to other aspects of their lives. Through these incredible outdoor adventures, participants make new friendships, build self-confidence, and develop life skills.

Join us on the journey to success!

OTHER SOAR PROGRAMS

FEATURED in OUTSIDE MAGAZINE

SOAR offers adventure-based summer camps for youth & young adults ages 8-24. With courses in NC, WY, FL, CA, NY, and Internationally, campers build friendships, increase self-confidence, and develop life skills through incredible outdoor adventures. Our summer camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.

Learn more at soarnc.org/soar-courses

The GAP Year at SOAR is designed for young adults ages 18-24 who have graduated from high school and are uncertain of the next step they want to take.

Based in Dubois, WY, Gappers travel throughout the western United States. This year allows Gappers to develop independence, gain life skills, and plan for their future.

Learn more at soarnc.org/gap-year

SOARNC.ORG SOARNC.ORG || 828-456-3435 828-456-3435

“ADHD is Fuel for Adventure�

Read the full article at outsideonline.com/adhd

soarnc.org

soar po box 388 balsam, nc 28707 (p) 828-456-3435 (f) 801-820-3050

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