Mission: To serve the unique needs of every student in order that they maximize their full human potential and become productive citizens.
Since 1970, La Amistad Behavioral Health Services has been meeting the needs of children, adolescents, young adults and their families seeking a supportive, structured, psycho-educational environment in which to deal with academic, emotional and behavioral difficulties. La Amistad Learning Academy, accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), is an on-site school dedicated to the provision of quality individualized education in elementary, middle and high school, and transitional career planning.
The Learning Academy provides modified curriculums, small-group instruction and one-to-one attention. We work closely with each student’s home school to prevent interruption in goal attainment. Our students engage in active learning through our extended curriculum, including SAT Prep, GED Prep, vocational counseling and online courses through Florida Virtual School. We provide individualized instruction in regular, honors, vocational and exceptional education courses.
Subjects offered for Elementary (Grades K-5):
Reading, Language Arts, Writing, Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies, Social Skills, Computer, Art, Music and Physical Education.
Subjects offered for Upper School (Grades 6 – 12):
Middle School: Math, English, Science (Earth, Life, Physical), Social Studies, World Geography, American History and a variety of electives.
High School: English I-IV, Integrated Math I-II, Liberal Arts Math, Algebra I, Geometry, Earth/Space Science, Biology, Marine Science, Integrated Science I-III, World History, American History, Government, Economics, Life Management Skills, Physical Education and a variety of electives (i.e. Holocaust Studies, Speech, Computer Applications and Humanities).
School preparation includes attending high school; working toward GED; attending or considering a vocational school, community college or a four-year university; and IEP development/coordination and ESE guidance.
Test preparation includes GED, SAT, ACT, Civil Service Exams and GRE.
Career preparation includes the design of effective resumes, job applications, interview skills, career interest inventory, career opportunities, exploration and planning, and educational/training opportunities.
The Learning Academy Director has a Master’s Degree in Emotional Disturbance with certification in Educational Leadership. Of the eighteen-plus years in education, she has spent the last several overseeing district level programming for students with disabilities, grades K-12. One hundred percent of our staff is highly-qualified and certified by the State of Florida. Our para-educators are trained to assist in classroom instruction and ensure the climate of the school provides an optimum learning environment. Classes are small and focus on building appropriate social skills while facilitating progress toward academic and therapeutic goals.
2010 – 2011 Year – School Themes
for Elementary and Upper School Grades
August
“Taking the First Step” Character Trait: Commitment
16 – 20: Pre-planning Week
23 – 27: Discovering Ourselves
September
“Look on the Bright Side” Character Trait: Optimism
Aug. 30 – Sept. 3: Things Could Be Worse
6 – 10: Looking Back
13 – 17: Staying Focused
20 – 24: Holding Your Position
27 – Oct. 1: Going Forward
Field Trip – Disney Quest
October
“It Takes Time” Character Trait: Patience
4 – 8: Time to Heal
11 – 15: Time to Learn
18 – 22: Time to Grow
25 – 29: Time to Love Ourselves
Field Trip – Orange County Historical Museum
November
“Attitude of Gratitude” Character Trait: Gratitude
1 – 5: Thankful Hearts
8 – 12: Thankful Hands
15 – 19: Thankful Minds
22 – 26: Thanksgiving Theme Week
Field Trip – St. Augustine, Fla.
December
“Transforming through Giving” Character Trait: Kindness
Nov. 29 – Dec. 3: Deck the Halls – Making Holiday Decorations
6 – 10: Santa is Coming to Town – Making Treat Bags
13 – 17: Joy to the World – Community Service Project
20 – 24: Holiday Theme Week
27 – 31: Classes in Session – Preparation for 2011
Field Trip – Community Service Project
January
“Having Resolve” Character Trait: Consistency
3 – 7: New Resolutions
10 – 14: Old Habits Die Hard
17 – 21: Putting a Plan in Place
24 – 28: Consistency Over Time
Field Trip – Sea World
February
“Working Together” Character Trait: Cooperation
Jan. 31 – Feb. 4: Communication
7 – 11: Being a Positive Leader
14 – 18: Being a Positive Follower
21 – 25: Getting Along
Field Trip – Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
March
“Taking Charge” Character Trait: Self-Control
Feb. 28 – March. 4:
