Many students with special needs find success with Calais’ 12 Plus Program as it helps to bridge the gap between high school, college, and career. Our 12 Plus Program is designed to prepare students ages 18-21 for the next step in their lives in a safe and encouraging environment.

12 Plus encourages students to…

  • Design and pursue an individual career path based on strengths and interests
  • Learn self-advocacy and self-determination through career education and work experience
  • Grow, improve, and succeed in a therapeutic environment

Areas of Concentration

The program offers three areas of concentration: work readiness skills, independent living skills, and college readiness. Course work for students includes health and safety, executive functioning skills, financial literacy, house keeping, travel training, cooking and more. 12 Plus students also have access to all of The Calais School’s counseling services.

To ensure a seamless transition from the security of the school environment to the adult world students are also exposed to Work Based Learning(WBL) within the community and Community-Based Instruction (CBI). Internships at local businesses give students real world experiences that create a strong foundation toward independent adult lives. Students gain an understanding of employer expectations, cultivate appropriate workplace behavior and build a resume all at the same time. Through CBI, students hone independent living skills and explore what it means to be an active member of their community

College Bridge Program

College readiness is addressed through our College Bridge Program in partnership with County College of Morris (CCM). Also referred to as the CCM Bridge Program this partnership provides Calais high school and 12 Plus students with a preview of the college experience. Students acclimate to college life and the rigors of college level coursework as they participate in academic classes online or on campus. Participating students also benefit from additional opportutnities to establish autonomy, build self-advocacy skills, and apply executive functioning skills. All CCM students are provided with transportation as well as a Calais staff member to support them.

Visit the Calais College Bridge Program page.