We, at Harrisburg Academy, are committed to helping all of our students succeed academically and socially.  However, we believe not every student will achieve the same level of success.  Individual ability, commitment, and learning styles factor into an individual’s level of success.

Though we strive to admit students who have the potential of being successful both academically and socially at Harrisburg Academy, we recognize that some students will need some support in reaching their potential.  The Academy, however, is not prepared to alter our curricular expectations for students in order for them to be successful. The Academy does allow for and provide limited accommodations for students with a diagnosed learning disability.  These accommodations are determined and offered on an individual basis and only in conjunction with specific recommendations and need.

The Academy does offer short-term, remedial support for students who meet specific requirements determined through a referral process.  Such support includes but may not be limited to:

• Skills development for new students who have not had previous experience in an academic area
• Skills development for returning students who struggle in a specific area
• Instruction in study and organizational skills
• Use of graphic organizers
• Social skill development

Support is initially provided by the classroom teacher.  Using such tools as Differentiated Instruction, small group and project-based instruction, and a variety of approaches addressing learning modalities in the classroom help to allow more equity of access for all students in the classroom.  Teachers also make themselves available outside of class for short-term support plans such as review of learned materials, added instruction, and guided practice.

Should it be determined that more support is needed than the teacher can provide, use of support personnel from our academic support providers and/or the local Intermediate Unit may be available which is determined by the referral process.  All students will have a plan with stated goals and guidelines. 

Students who develop or begin to demonstrate greater need for support determined through the referral process than we can provide will be helped to get proper assessments to determine the appropriate level of need and how services might be obtained outside the Academy.  Students who need on-going academic support will be counseled out of the program if it is determined to be in their best interest.  In some instances, the Academy may make some temporary program/curricular changes in support of student who needs time to transition to a more appropriate program for their needs.