Special needs students who are interested in attending college but need support to succeed can benefit by enrolling in the Calais School’s Bridge Program. The program opens the door to many opportunities for students who participate in the school’s 12 Plus Program and take classes at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

Students will learn to self-advocate, meet deadlines, problem solve and develop good study skills. They will also learn social skills, make friends on their own, join college clubs and activities and develop a sense of independence. The Bridge Program can be a springboard for opportunities for students including participation in many County College of Morris clubs and events, honor societies and special courses.

The Bridge Program provides students with a reduced course load of one to two classes per semester to help students ease into the rigors of college level work while also benefiting from Work Based Learning and special support and other activities at the Calais School.

Popular classes selected by recent students enrolled in the program include English Composition I and II, Creative Writing, Multimedia I and II, American Government, World Languages as well as courses in information technology and more. Students take courses and then receive many supports at Calais including access to the school’s guidance counselors, psychologists and therapists.

Eligibility for the program is based on a student’s IEP, future goals as well as feedback from teachers, parents or guardians. This is reviewed at IEP meetings with the student, case managers from Calais and the student’s district, and the Calais School’s guidance counselor and transition coordinator.

Calais will cover all college expenses for the fall and spring semesters except textbooks, other supplies and the initial application fee. If desired, students can pay for and attend classes during the summer session. In addition, Calais will provide student transportation to and from CCM during school hours on one of our own buses. In most cases, parents or guardians are not required to drop off or pick up the student.

When students return to Calais, they will participate in a study hall period to help them begin their college assignments before heading home. This extra time will help them manage their heavy workload as well as the increased responsibility associated with pursuing higher education. Students who require remedial instruction in subjects such as mathematics can take specialized classes at Calais to build their skills. This helps students pass the Accuplacer exam and successfully learn college-level material whenever they are ready.

Students enrolled in the Calais Bridge Program also receive on campus support with the assistance of a paraprofessional who is designated as a CCM Mentor and accompanies students to and from college. The mentor will meet with the student several times each week to monitor their progress. In addition, the mentor will help students navigate the college campus, communicate with professors, register for classes, use Accessibility Services and develop successful study habits.

Independence is an important part of the college experience. While students will have access to their mentor, they will also have the freedom to walk to class, resolve their own issues and enjoy campus activities. All students attend class independently, which helps them develop a sense of belonging at CCM.

One of the benefits of the Calais Bridge Program is flexibility. CCM offers online, hybrid and fully in-person classes. CCM Bridge students will work with the Calais School Transition Coordinator and Guidance Counselor to determine which classes meet their educational and therapeutic needs.

At Calais, we understand that college can sometimes be overwhelming. Various modifications are available to foster balance between college, Calais and home life.

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