An alternative therapeutic environment based on respect & responsibility

Northshore Academy Upper School provides an alternative educational program for students in grades 7-12 who require a therapeutic program to address their social, emotional and behavioral health needs.   Students at Northshore Academy may be those struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, non-verbal learning disabilities, or Autism Spectrum Disorders.   Positive, trusting relationships are at the core of teaching and learning at Northshore Academy. It is within these relationships that students are able to collaboratively problem solve academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges as they arise.

Core Academics

In order to meet the diverse needs of our learners, students are grouped by age, grade, academic and social needs. Teams of educators, including  teachers, counselors, specialists and paraprofessionals, collaborate to implement academics based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.  To do so they use individualized, meaningful, multi-sensory approaches.   The level of academic challenge and related methods of instruction are differentiated for each student, and based on the students assessed academic levels, learning style, and social-emotional needs.

Team Approach

An integrated team approach is used in order to achieve academic and personal goals.  NSA staff work closely with families/guardians, sending school districts, community supports, and other known or determined supports.

Student Support

• Space and staff support for: coping with distress, problem solving, conflict resolution, and other issues that may disrupt school functioning.

• Safe and Alternative Spaces that allow students to learn and utilize various coping skills

• Collaborative Problem Solving approach

• 1:1 staff support in learning and utilizing safe and appropriate coping strategies with a goal of generalizing them to home and community.

• Staff who are trained in behavioral de-escalation techniques

• Paraprofessionals within the classrooms to assist students with academics, while utilizing modifications and accommodations written into their IEP.

 Clinical Services

• 1:1 support with a licensed counselor

• Case Management Services to maintain connections and communication with parents,  School Districts, and other Community Supports

• Psychoeducational groups

• Transition Services

• Ongoing psychosocial assessment

• Referrals to appropriate community based services for the student and family

Student Support Services

In order to support academic, social and behavioral progress, NSA has supports in all aspects of the milieu.

Support services include:

• 1:1 clinical support with a licensed school counselor

• Behavior Specialists

• Student Support Centers (one per floor)

• Resource Rooms

Specialists

• Speech/Language

• Reading

• Occupational Therapy

• Access to other specialist services when deemed appropriate per the IEP.

Transition Planning

In an effort to prepare all students for graduation as well as life beyond high school, transition planning occurs in all grades at NSA. It begins with career awareness, and progresses through career exploration and when appropriate, career immersion. Students are taught self–determination, self–advocacy and youth leadership skills.

Transition Activities include:

• Tours of college campuses

• Internships within the school and in the community

• Anti Bullying task force

• Collaboration with Career Center

• College and Career Fair

• SAT/ACT prep and access to accommodations

• Job Shadowing

• Junior Achievement community activities

Youth Development

The ongoing focus of youth development in our milieu allows students to set and refine personal goals, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and have the self-respect, confidence, dedication and competencies to carry them out.  In addition, students are encouraged to act as leaders, to positively influence the milieu and their peers, and to serve as role models, regardless of their age or grade. Through participation in a wide array of community experiences students are able to develop support networks, promote social change, and cultivate critical social and vocational skills such as self-motivation, positive attitude, time management, communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, networking and professionalism.

Youth development opportunities include:

• Mentoring

• Student Council

• Community Service

• Self-selected Enrichment classes: Students are able to choose classes which allow them to explore and engage in subject matter and activities of interest.

• Youth Opportunities Program:  provides students opportunities to participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, cross country skiing, etc. The activities promote leadership, confidence and teamwork.

• Project Adventure and Project WILD

Pre-Vocational and Enrichment Activities

NSA currently offers High School students opportunities to explore pre-vocational interests by immersing in academic and activity based lessons on a daily basis.  Middle School students are able to attend these classes on a less frequent basis.

Current offerings include:

Districts can refer students for a short-term placement in order to stabilize a student in crisis and/or to receive an extended multi-disciplinary evaluation and recommendations.

For more information about the Northshore Academy Upper School or to make a referral, we invite you to contact:

David J. Mercier, Principal
126 Sohier Road
Beverly, MA 01915

Phone:
978-338-1450

Fax: 

Temporarily unavailable, please use Business Office fax 978.232.9449

Email:
dmercier@nsedu.org