ESU 7 Learning Academy is an option for school districts to utilize as a temporary educational placement to support students who struggle socially, emotionally, or behaviorally. Learning Academy is not a permanent placement. The program is designed to support students with developing the skills necessary to transition back to their home district and support school districts with the training and tools necessary to have success after the student returns.

Learning Academy staff will support students with the academic requirements of their home school district while also providing instruction in Social-Emotional Skills. In addition to the teachers and paraprofessionals who provide instruction, there will also be a principal, licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP), school psychologist,  and school nurse on site.

Learning Academy is located on the grounds of ESU 7 in a newly renovated space. There are four classrooms, a sensory room, an activity center,  a conference room, and an office space for the principal and LMHP. The activity center is equipped with exercise equipment, play space,  and tables that fold down to serve meals. There are also two dignity rooms which are smaller rooms where students can work one-to-one with staff,  take a break,  or have a quiet place to work. Dignity rooms can also serve as a place for students in crisis to preserve their privacy and the safety of everyone else.

Learning Academy programming and social/emotional instruction will focus on five areas: Responsible Decision Making, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Self Management, and Self Awareness.

After a school district applies for placement, Learning Academy staff will collaborate with school district officials, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team, and parents to develop a plan for each individual student. Should this plan include the need for a temporary educational placement the Learning Academy is an option for the IEP team to consider. Only after the IEP team determines placement at the Learning Academy is necessary will the student be placed in the program. If the IEP team and Learning Academy staff feel the program and facilities are not sufficient to meet a student’s needs, the IEP team will work to find an alternative solution.

ESU 7 Learning Academy will support students in unlocking their potential by working in cooperation with stakeholders and meeting students where they are academically, behaviorally, and socially to build on their strengths.

ESU 7 Learning Academy will strive to support students in developing the behavioral and academic skills needed to successfully transition to their resident school districts and communities as engaged and capable students.