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 in Central Florida, 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.
2012 – 2013 Year – School Themes
for Elementary and Upper School Grades
August
“Taking the First Step” Character Trait: Commitment
20 - 24: Discovering Ourselves
27 – 31: Setting and Reaching Goals
September
“Look on the Bright Side” Character Trait: Optimism
3 - 7: Looking Back
10 – 14: Staying Focused
17 - 21: Holding Your Position
24 – 28: Going Forward
October
“It Takes Time” Character Trait: Patience
1 - 5: Time to Heal
8 - 12: Time to Learn
15 – 19: Time to Grow
22 – 26: Time to Love Ourselves
Field Trip – Disney Quest
November
“Attitude of Gratitude” Character Trait: Gratitude
5 - 9: Thankful Hearts
12 - 16: Thankful Hands
19 – 23: Thankful Minds
26 – 30: Thanksgiving Theme Week
December
“Transforming through Giving” Character Trait: Kindness
3 – 7: Deck the Halls – Making Holiday Decorations
10 - 14: Santa is Coming to Town – Making Treat Bags
17 – 21: Joy to the World – Community Service Project
24 – 28: Prepare for New Year
(Community Service Project to Ronald McDonald House)
January
“Having Resolve” Character Trait: Consistency
Dec 31st – Jan 4th: New Resolutions
7 - 11: Old Habits Die Hard
14 – 18: Putting a Plan in Place
21 – 25: Consistency Over Time
Jan 28th – Feb 1st: Measuring Success
Field Trip – St. Augustine, Florida
February
“Working Together” Character Trait: Cooperation
4 – 8: Communication
11 - 15: Being a Positive Leader
18 – 22: Being a Positive Follower
Feb 25th – Mar 1st: Getting Along
March
“Taking Charge” Character Trait: Self-Control
4 – 8: …of Emotions
11 – 15: …of Actions
18-22: …of Reactions
25-29: …of Our Lives
Field Trip Winter Park Boat Tour
April
“Honesty is the Best Policy” Character Trait: Honesty
1 - 5: Being Honest With Ourselves
8 - 12: Being Honest With Our Families
15 – 19: Being Honest With Our Peers
22 – 26: A Life of Honesty – What it Means
May
“Being Responsible” Character Trait: Responsibility
Apr 29th – May 3rd: …for Our Thoughts
6 - 10: …for Our Words
13-17: …for Our Deeds
20-24: …What We Listen To
27-31: …What We Watch
June
“Standing up for What is Right” Character Trait: Courage
3 - 7: Courage for our Thoughts
10 - 14: Courage for our Words
17 – 21: Courage for our Deeds
24 – 28: Being Courageous
Field Trip Wonder Works
