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Currently, the special education services offered in most other private and public settings are designed so that most students with special learning needs participate in regular classrooms with assistance offered by a resource teacher. Special needs students are expected to "keep up" with their peers. Concord Academy's program is different in that we offer a modified curriculum in all subjects where educational material is adapted more closely to the functioning level of the students. Also, subjects are modified by reducing the amount of material students are expected to cover in a given time frame and by breaking complex concepts into simpler steps. These adaptations to instruction help students who have slower processing abilities, severe attention deficit disorders (thereby missing tiny bits of critical information) or who get lost in complex concepts that others may master with ease. In addition, large educational environments often overwhelm students who lack social skills or who experience social anxiety or depression. These factors can significantly impact students with special learning considerations. Therefore, Concord Academy's mission is to offer an alternative program where small classes, adapted curriculum, and varied instructional methods are provided within a caring environment where students can learn and thrive.

During the last few years there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders--especially higher functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Students diagnosed with this syndrome often possess strong intellectual capacity which may not be fully realized in larger traditional programs due to a student's social deficits, rigid patterns of behavior and concrete thinking. The environmental factors that make Concord Academy a uniquely appropriate and beneficial academic setting for students with this diagnosis include our flexible, but challenging curriculum, social skills training and philosophy of caring, acceptance and respect for each child.

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Congratulations to Class of 2008