It can be difficult for parents to know when their child might need a new school. However, certain patterns can let parents know that it might be time for a change. For example, if your child has been getting consistent services at their traditional school without much improvement, it may be time for a change.
This article lists 10 signs that can let parents know when a therapeutic school in NYC might be a good option for their child.
What Are Therapeutic Schools? Why Should Parents Consider Them?
A therapeutic school is an educational setting that teaches academic subjects but also incorporates academic, emotional, and behavioral supports into the typical school day. This structure is usually quite beneficial for students with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral issues, and similar concerns.
While each school is different, research shows that therapeutic schools provide unique benefits. Generally, therapeutic schools are better able to:
- Help students with emotional issues develop and use coping skills during stressful incidents
- Quickly redirect students in distress
- Promote attendance for students with school-refusal issues
- Improve behavior and reduce disciplinary actions such as suspensions
- Improve peer relationships through social-emotional learning
The focus on emotional progress and development matters. Students with stronger emotional control lose less time dealing with emotional issues. The regained time can then be used on academic issues. As such, students in therapeutic schools are more likely to improve their grades. One study found that students in a therapeutic day school made progress equal to one academic year.
10 Signs That Your Child Might Need a Therapeutic School
Here are the 10 signs that parents should view as strong indicators that a child might need more support than is typically offered in a traditional school.
Note that seeing one or even two of these signs does not necessarily mean that your child needs a therapeutic school. However, seeing several of these signs or repeated patterns might indicate that therapeutic schools should be considered.
Sign #1 – Your Child Needs Constant or Frequent Academic Support
Some children can be given instructions and left alone to complete a task. Others may grasp the steps when a teacher is next to them but struggle to remember when the teacher is gone. These issues tend to affect students with working memory issues.
These children can benefit from the close supervision and individualized instruction offered at therapeutic schools.
Sign #2 – Your Child Needs Constant or Frequent Emotional or Behavioral Support
A child who struggles to self-regulate cannot focus on their classwork. The smaller class sizes at therapeutic schools allow teachers to intervene earlier, provide redirection, and avoid a meltdown.
Sign #3 – Emotional Issues Often Interfere with Attendance or Performance
Some children become so anxious about school that they simply refuse to go. If your child is regularly absent or tardy due to their negative emotions around school, it may be a sign that a new school environment is needed. The same is true for children who refuse to participate in normal school activities. Therapeutic schools can help by offering a supportive school culture.
Sign #4 – Your Child Regularly Tries to “Escape” the Classroom
If a child is “hiding out” in the bathroom or the counseling suite, it’s a strong sign that the child is doing their best to avoid completely shutting down. Regular therapeutic sessions can help these students learn better ways to respond.
Sign #5 – The Child Knows Coping Strategies But Struggles to Use Them
Knowing what to do is different from being able to do it. Many children have learned what they are “supposed” to do when they feel overwhelmed, but emotions can short-circuit normal thought processes and leave the child minutes away from a meltdown. Being in an environment where these skills are constantly taught and reinforced can help make these skills second nature.
Sign #6 – Your Child’s Academic Outcomes Change with Their Emotional State
Many bright students know the material but can’t perform once their emotions get in the way. These students can benefit from targeted instruction on emotional regulation.
Sign #7 – Your Child Does Well One-on-One but not in the Traditional Classroom
Some children do well when working with a teacher, tutor, or parent but struggle in the larger classroom. This could happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from being distracted by classmates, irritated by loud noises or bright lights, or simply having to deal with multiple tasks at once. Therapeutic schools work hard to help students learn independently.
Sign #8 – Your Child Is Greatly Affected by Unexpected Changes, Transitions, Setbacks
Many students, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, are hypersensitive to changes in the normal schedule of the day. While all children experience some upset when things don’t go according to plan, a child who is frequently upset, cannot return to normal with adult guidance, or has an outsized reaction to a minor disruption might benefit from a setting that regularly teaches these skills.
Sign #9 – More or More Serious Disciplinary Actions
If a child’s behavior seems to be escalating—whether in frequency or severity—it may be a cry for help. Therapeutic schools take a proactive approach to discipling that focuses on restoration rather than punishment.
Sign #10 – Incomplete Improvements
Some students may improve, but only to a point. For example, targeted instruction might improve grades but not classroom participation. This uneven progress can be frustrating for students. Therapeutic schools are typically better able to combine services to avoid this outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to a Therapeutic School
- Do Therapeutic Schools Provide Transportation?
Not always. NYC Public Schools provides transportation when it is required by the IEP or when a disability prevents the use of public transit.
- Can a Child Attend a Therapeutic School Part-Time?
There are a handful of part-time therapeutic schools in the U.S. Most operate on a full-day schedule.
- Do Therapeutic Schools Assign Homework?
Many do. However, this is usually left up to individual teachers unless the school has a blanket ban on homework.
- Do Therapeutic Schools Follow a Traditional School Calendar?
It depends on the school. Academics West offers both 10- and 12-month academic years in addition to a summer program.
How Can Academics West Help?
Therapeutic schools help many students. If you’re looking for a therapeutic school in New York City, consider Academics West. Our school offers low student-to-teacher ratios. We use cutting-edge technology to adapt our curriculum to each student’s needs.
Check out our virtual tour. Then schedule your in-person visit by calling 212-580-0080 or using our online scheduler.