Extended School Year Program

Summer is an important time for kids to have fun, play and make new friends! The Calais School developed a special half-day Extended School Year (ESY) Program designed specifically to address the unique challenges experienced by children with special needs all while in a safe and nurturing environment. Calais’ ESY Program keeps students on the road to success and prevents academic and social regression that sometimes comes with taking too long a break from the classroom.

If your child is challenged by communication, social skills, mood regulation, or learning disabilities, then the Extended School Year Program at The Calais School may be a good fit. Students in our ESY Program will receive IEP-mandated reading, counseling, speech, and occupational therapy in a program that meets their academic, therapeutic, and social needs. Students also experience the benefit of our highly trained and certified Animal Assisted Intervention dogs. They help students practice social skills and reach speech, reading, and occupational therapy goals.

ESY The Calais Way

While the curriculum is less formal than during the school year, the Extended School Year Program is designed to contribute to the broad educational achievement of our students. The ESY program includes K to Elementary and Middle School to 12 Plus levels. It is staffed by fully certified teachers and counselors from the academic school year program. Counselors, reading specialists, and learning disability teacher-consultants work with students daily. Additional therapeutic services include occupational therapy, animal assisted interventions and good old-fashioned summer fun!

Project-based learning, computer learning games, art, music, dance and science ‘wizardry’ are just a few of the educational programs offered. Recreational activities and weekly field trips give students the opportunity to improve social and behavioral skills while interacting and building friendships with their peers.

Program Areas

GRADES K TO 7

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

  • An instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that motivate and engage

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

  • Creative expression through exploration and discovery

PERSONAL FITNESS

  • Provides students with the knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness

GRADES 8 TO 12 PLUS

ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION

  • Math and English college placement test preparation
  • 21st Century life and career skills

STRUCTURED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

  • Life and career skills applied through active learning opportunities
  • Community-based work experiences
  • Emphasis on work-readiness skills

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

  • Digital Arts Education
  • Floriculture/Landscape Design Experience
  • Child Care Provider/Assistant Experience
  • General Office Occupation Opportunities
  • Culinary Arts