Beyond the Classroom: Building a Connected High School Experience

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Connected High School Experience

CORI BEACH, M.A. COORDINATOR OF STUDENT, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

At The Westview School, we believe that meaningful learning happens through connection with people, with purpose, and with the broader community. As we launch the high school program at Westview, our goal is to create an environment where students with autism are both academically prepared and empowered for life beyond school.

High school marks a turning point for any child, and it’s more than academics. It’s a time for students to discover who they are, what they care about, and how they want to contribute to the world around them. That is why Westview is committed to building a high school experience that extends beyond the classroom. Westview’s program is rooted in real-world learning, community partnerships, and individualized pathways that support both academic success and personal growth.

REAL-WORLD LEARNING, REAL-LIFE IMPACT

The Westview School was built on a simple but powerful belief: students do best when they feel seen, supported, and part of a community. That same belief will guide Westview High School, where students have the chance to explore career interests, build vocational and life skills, and connect with local businesses and organizations in real-world settings. These experiences go beyond job training. They build confidence, encourage independence, and help students understand who they are and what they can contribute.

CONNECTIONS AND CONFIDENCE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

Partnerships with organizations like Social Motion provide structured opportunities for students to undertake meaningful tasks in environments that reflect real-world workplaces. Through these experiences, students begin to discover their preferences, build stamina, and learn to navigate social expectations. We guide students through assessments that help identify strengths, interests, and where those areas intersect, opening doors to future possibilities.

Families feel the impact of this growth. When parents see their children working or volunteering in new settings, interacting with coworkers, or coming home excited about what they accomplished, it reshapes what the future looks like. For younger Westview students, observing older peers paints a picture of what is possible.

The ripple effect is powerful. As students thrive in the community, families begin to see new possibilities. Younger students start to imagine their future. Community partners become advocates. These partnerships are about more than preparation. They foster connection, contribution, and confidence.

High school is more than academics. It’s a time for students to discover who they are, what they care about, and how they want to contribute to the world around them.

PARTNER WITH US

At Westview High School, our goal goes beyond graduation. We’re helping students take meaningful steps toward adulthood, equipped with real skills, growing confidence, and a deeper understanding of themselves. If you’re part of an organization or know one that might want to support this journey, we’d love to connect.

MEET CORI BEACH

As Coordinator of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, Cori Beach builds the relationships that help students and families feel understood and connected.

With a background in education and a strong commitment to relationship-centered learning, Cori is passionate about creating meaningful connections that support growth and belonging.

In her role at Westview, she partners with families, school staff, professionals, and community members to help students pursue real-life goals in ways that reflect their strengths and interests.