The Academy at Boys & Girls Town is one of St. Louis’ leading educational institutions for children with emotional and behavioral problems and learning issues. Located in the South Grand district of the City of St. Louis, the 30-student Academy provides therapeutic and special education services to youth who have been unsuccessful in a traditional education setting.

Students receive special education services in a supportive, nurturing environment, where each child is respected and the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with adults is a key to successful treatment.

The ultimate goal is to integrate students into less restrictive environments and help them make the transition to the community as responsible individuals. 

Day Treatment Program
The Academy offers day treatment programs for students from Missouri and Illinois. All classrooms have at least one teacher and one teacher’s aide to promote academic and behavioral success.

Negative behaviors hinder academic achievement.  The Academy teaches learning, social and conflict resolution skills that foster academic achievement along with healthy emotional and social development.  Education and therapy programs use a variety of behavior management techniques in order to facilitate student growth.  Children learn how to replace negative behaviors with positive ones.  Students also learn appropriate social skills that will help them get their needs met.  Choice management instruction offers students opportunities to examine why some choices are good and offer better solutions than others.

The program aids each student in meeting their social, emotional and behavioral goals as well as the academic goals and objectives that are prescribed in each student’s individual education program (IEP). 

The Curriculum
The Academy philosophy encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning, see its worth and make connections. The curriculum for all grades covers the communication arts, math and science, plus history, social studies and government for middle and high school students.  

Particular emphasis is placed on reading and math basics which enable students to establish strengths upon which their program builds – all on an individual basis.  The Missouri Grade Level Expectations for communications arts and math serve as the curriculum frameworks for students at each grade level. 

Therapeutic Services
Master’s level, licensed professional therapists serve students at The Academy.  Therapists participate in IEP meetings and provide individual and group therapy in accordance with each student’s IEP.  Therapists provide crisis intervention and are available for family therapy as needed.  They participate in staff meetings on each student at regular intervals to track progress and alter treatment plans as needed. 

Art Program
The art program is designed to meet the needs of all students.  Students are introduced to a range of art media and techniques.  A challenging curriculum provides students with many opportunities to develop their critical and creative thinking abilities.  The art program accommodates individual learning styles and offers students the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge to successfully pursue their interests in the visual arts.

Leadership Program
The staff believes leadership is essential in enabling students to develop character, confidence and values that promote the goal of healthy behavior. Through curriculum materials, training and empowerment, student leaders learn appropriate leadership skills. 

Character Education
Character education is a national movement encouraging environments that foster ethical, responsible and caring young people.  Each month focuses on a specific concept that helps build sound character.  The program is designed to improve social skills and character so students achieve greater success following treatment.

Career Exploration
Students at The Academy are given many opportunities to gain awareness of various jobs and careers. Career exploration is included in the daily work.  Speakers from the community and parents are invited to share information about their work with students in the classroom setting.  A career fair is held each spring.

Parent Involvement
The Academy encourages the active support and participation of each student’s family and/or caregivers. At the time of referral, a meeting is held with each student and the student’s parents to discuss the student’s needs. An open house is held each fall giving parents the opportunity to visit the school and meet with teachers and staff. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled at least twice each school year. Daily reports also facilitate teacher/parent communication.  Parent involvement can make a significant impact on a student’s achievements and is highly encouraged. 

Other Specialized Services Available
All students receive breakfast and lunch daily and participate in health/physical education.  The Academy also provides a wide range of services tailored to the individual needs of each student such as:
Speech Therapy               Art Therapy
Occupational Therapy      Physical Therapy

To learn more about how The Academy at Boys & Girls Town can meet the needs of a specific student’s Individualized Education Plan, please call (314) 664-6440 or email academyadmissions@bgtm.org.