The Ann Arbor Academy is designed for students with learning disabilities, ADHD and communication disorders. The school's philosophy is that students who have memory and sensory difficulties benefit the most from receiving information in different ways. In the classroom, diverse forms of media are used so students have multiple chances to process the information they receive throughout the day. Academy guidelines state that teachers must include a multi-sensory piece into each lesson they design. This can be in the form of a class quiz show, board games or physical activity using definitions or theories from students' coursework. Experiential learning, or learning through experience, is a big part of activities in grades eight through 12. Students in each grade go on trips and learn to navigate unfamiliar places, modes of transportation and meet other youths in their age group.
Ann Arbor Academy
111 E. Mosley St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-747-6641
annarboracademy.org
Lake Michigan Academy (LMA), in Grand Rapids, is a school for students in grades one through 12 who are learning-disabled or need more individualized attention in the classroom due to difficulties with social skills. LMA concentrates on social skills since children with disabilities often have problems in this area and it can affect their school experience. Areas concentrated on include body language, the use of humor and empathy and how to express anger and frustration. Parents receive weekly progress reports which detail the student's academic and social advances. Quarterly and yearly reports are more comprehensive and contain pre- and post-test results, information on a student's weaknesses and strengths, and recommendations for the future.
Lake Michigan Academy
2428 Burton S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616-464-3330
wmldf.org
The Manor is a Jonesville residential treatment and special education institution for students aged 6 to 18. Its programs are for developmentally-disabled students who have behavioral issues. The Manor offers both a traditional special education curriculum and one that focuses on teaching students functional skills. All students attend classes three semesters per year, including summer, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Class size is made up of about 10 students and one teacher and one teacher's assistant. A big component of The Manor's educational program is a student's Individual Educational Plan, which the student will complete about 30 days after the start of the first semester, and which is reviewed on an ongoing process to measure a student's progress.
The Manor
P.O. Box 98
Jonesville, MI 49250
517-849-2151
the-manor.org