Tiered+Approach

We believe in treating each student as an individual and strive to meet the unique needs of every child by utilizing a three-tiered model of education.

** Traditional Tier ** Students typically begin in the Traditional Tier. This tier provides a smaller and structured environment in which team members work with students’ individual behavior plans while providing academic instruction at the student’s ability level. Students in the Traditional Tier receive formal social skill instruction three to four times per week and have access to a Behavior Counselor and School Psychologist.

** Transition Tier ** Students who have demonstrated success in the Traditional Tier are placed into the Transition Tier to utilize the skills learned at Lion’s Pride Academy in order to prepare for a transition to a less-restrictive setting. Programming in this tier includes formal social skill instruction at least two times per week as well as an increased academic rigor. Students also have access to a Behavior Counselor and School Psychologist. ** Therapeutic Behavioral Recovery Tier ** If a student demonstrates significant behavioral difficulty in the Traditional Tier or at the request of a placing district, students may be placed in our Therapeutic Behavioral Recovery Tier (TBR). This tier incorporates daily and more focused social skill instruction into the programming. Students in the TBR Tier have daily contact with a counselor in group and individual settings as well as access to sensory integration activities and the development of self-regulation skills guided by an Occupational Therapist. They also have access to a School Psychologist. The goal of this tier is to stabilize student behavior in order to transition to the Traditional Tier.
 * **All tiers utilize a team approach. Students will typically work with several teachers and paraprofessionals throughout the day to meet their individual academic and behavioral needs. Placement in each tier and assignments with teachers are flexible and are adjusted to ensure the success of each student. Recommendations for any tier changes are made by tier teams and/or IEP teams and must be approved by administration.