Preparation THAMES ACADEMY. A Residential Post-Graduate Program of. andtransition. Individualized Learning Support. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Transcription

1 THAMES ACADEMY AT MITCHELL COLLEGE A Residential Post-Graduate Program of Preparation andtransition Individualized Learning Support Personal Growth and Self-Discovery A Foundation for Success in College

2 Young people learn in distinctly individual ways. As the parent of a child who learns differently, you understand this better than most. Now, as your son or daughter looks to a future that you hope will include success in college or a career, you are looking for an opportunity to improve their core learning skills and smooth their transition into the future. You will find that opportunity at Thames Academy. THAMES ACADEMY

3 Welcome to Thames Academy Thames Academy is a residential post-graduate program for students with academic challenges, documented learning disabilities, or other learning differences who can benefit from a structured learning and living experience that prepares them for the transition to college or a career. Unlike conventional post-grad programs offered at college preparatory schools, Thames includes college level courses for credit. The program is set on a college campus with a recognized tradition of support for students with learning differences. Classes are small and designed to help students adjust to new life demands and interactions. Students can participate in the cultural life of a vibrant college community as well as enjoy activities designed exclusively for Thames students. Thames Academy helps students prepare for the learning, social and emotional challenges of college or a career with confidence. Thames Academy (left) is located at Mitchell College, which has long been known for providing a transforming educational experience in a caring and supportive environment. The College s renowned academic support programs include the nationally recognized Bentsen Learning Center for students with documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD.

4 Thames Academy may be ideal if your son or daughter has struggled academically has a diagnosed learning disability has individual learning differences is not always comfortable socially likes the idea of being away from home but not on their own prefers to get a feel for new experiences before jumping in needs a supportive environment in which to prepare for life transitions ahead Thames students have a unique opportunity to take on greater personal responsibility in a setting where expectations and support are both elevated. Structured Self-Discovery At Thames Academy, students get a feel for life away from home in an environment where the risks are manageable. A key component of the experience is a process of self-discovery that enables students to identify how higher education may figure into their future plans. Instead of this happening in an institution focused exclusively on learning disabilities, however, your son or daughter gains daily exposure to college life by being part of a college community. The Thames experience incorporates assignments and interactions intended to help students build emotional confidence. Students make new friends and develop self-assurance in a wide range of social situations, in and out of the classroom. They learn to navigate their life, with an eye toward college or the workplace. If you asked me to write the details of a post-graduate program that I could tailor for my son, I wouldn t stray far from the experience Chris had at Thames. If you told me 20 years ago that my son with Autism would be going to college, I would have thought it beyond the realm of possibility. Thames has been a Godsend for Chris. I ve been absolutely thrilled with the program. David Wagner -Louisville, Kentucky THAMES ACADEMY

5 At Thames, students with diagnosed learning disabilities, Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or ADHD work with faculty and advisors to more clearly identify their learning style and strengthen their study strategies. Building success in a supportive community helps students improve the confi dence they ll need to successfully pursue college studies or a career.

6 WHAT SETS THAMES ACADEMY APART? The academic staff of Thames Academy has specialized experience teaching students with learning differences. Instructors employ a comprehensive range of academic strategies and supports to prepare their students for more rigorous academics and a transitional shift away from home. Weekly advising sessions are an example of this strategic and focused approach. Students work one-to-one with a faculty member who listens to their concerns and provides guidance. For students away from home for the first time, that level of support can be reassuring. The program s blend of college credit and non-college credit courses is designed to help instructors understand your son or daughter s weaknesses and build on their strengths. The small living environment and specifically designed social activities help Thames students get to know one another. Classrooms and faculty offices are in the same building where Thames students live, which promotes both accessibility and accountability. Outcomes for Thames Graduates Increased confidence Improved study skills Stronger academic preparedness Greater maturity and personal growth Adjustment to living and studying away from home Extra time to transition to a college or work environment Stepping stone to a wider choice of colleges and careers Opportunity to earn up to 18 college credits prior to full-time college study THAMES ACADEMY

7 Student Body At Thames Academy, your son or daughter will meet new friends from all over. Historically, students have come from as close as New England, New York, and the Mid-Atlantic, and from as far as the Midwest, South and West coast. These fellow students will be peers and friends in a meaningful way, perhaps more so than in any school your child has attended. The success I m having now was made possible by my experience at Thames Academy. The academic support was strong. With classes of ten or so students, I got to know the faculty well. There was a lot of one-to-one advising. I never had support like that in high school. We get the chance to make friends with students like us from all over, too. My parents can tell you how much I ve progressed because I went to Thames. Chris Wagner -Thames Academy graduate Mitchell College undergraduate majoring in Graphic Design/Communications

8 Most students who graduate from Thames Academy go on to a four-year college, although there are other outcomes. The program s emphasis on self-discovery can be instrumental in helping your son or daughter identify their best next step, whether that turns out to be college, a career-focused program, or the right job. Mitchell College, CT St. Francis College, NY Adelphi University, NY Beacon College, FL Becker College, MA Colby-Sawyer College, NH Dean College, MA Campbell University, NC Curry College, MA Emerson College, MA Guilford College, NC Lasell College, MA Manhattanville College, NY New England College, NH Savannah College of Art and Design, GA Salem State University, MA Western New England College, MA Western Connecticut State University, CT Wilson College, PA Thames Faculty Our instructors embrace their role as teachers and advisors. They create the right balance of challenge and support, of independence and accountability. They help students articulate their struggles by uncovering and tapping abilities that were there all along. In addition to teaching classes of 7 to 14 students, each Thames Academy instructor advises a cohort of students and meets individually with each student once a week. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1. Thames was a great environment for our son John to understand how college is different from high school. It was a safe environment to make the mistakes that every kid makes when they go to college. One of our son s issues was managing his time, his executive functioning skills. The learning specialists at Thames were so helpful. He s very glad he went to Thames. Janet Kaczkowski -Niles, Illinois THAMES ACADEMY

9 Curriculum Overview Thames Academy is a complete one-year program. The curriculum aligns with our goal of preparing students for challenging academics and social interactions. Credit courses such as Discovering Human Adventure, which is writing-intensive, and Fundamental College Math, which emphasizes quantitative reasoning, are primers for the rigors of college coursework. Non-credit courses and workshops such as Career Exploration and College Search provide a structure for self-discovery and the development of life skills. Students who earn a 3.0 or better GPA during the fall semester may be eligible to take a class for credit at Mitchell College during the spring semester. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a Certificate and invited to participate in the End of Year Ceremony. Graduates of Thames may apply for admission to Mitchell College. If accepted, up to 18 credits transfer to Mitchell. Other institutions of higher learning may also accept certain credits. For more details, please visit All Thames students attend classes at the same time under a master schedule. By design, students free time also overlaps. Whether they re going to lunch, hanging around Thames, watching TV or just doing laundry, social situations are part of their routine.

10 Student Life At Thames Academy, our population of 40 to 45 students lives in a beautifully restored historic home on our waterfront campus. Accommodations are single sex with two or three roommates sharing living quarters. Living at Thames Academy offers your son or daughter comfortable surroundings and easy access to everything that our Mitchell College setting has to offer. Thames students eat in the cafeteria, work out in the gym, shop in the bookstore, play pool or video games in the student center, join clubs and organizations such as the Drama Society, and take part in excursions off campus. As a parent, you know that the social scene in high school can be restrictive. At Thames, your son or daughter has the opportunity to start fresh in the company of peers who probably have similar high school experiences. Thames students become friends for the right reasons and the house environment feels very much like a family. THAMES ACADEMY

11 Next Step: Visit Thames Academy The best way to determine whether our program is the right fit for your son or daughter and for you is to visit Thames Academy in person. Come talk with our students, faculty, and staff. Sit in on classes. Tour the campus. We can arrange for your son or daughter to shadow a Thames Academy student for a full day on campus to get a good feel for the experience. You can visit Thames Academy on a weekday, on special Saturday visit days, during Open House events, or at a pre-arranged time that fits your schedule. Please contact Admissions at or [email protected] to set up your visit. We hope to see you soon. Admission Candidates for admission to Thames Academy must have a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability (LD), Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/HD), and/or Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Diagnoses of Other Health Impairment (OHI) will be considered. Candidates must have had an IEP or 504 plan in effect at some point in their educational career. Candidates must be U.S. citizens who are at least 17 years of age by September 1st of their enrollment year. A high school diploma is not required if the student is attending Thames to fulfill his or her high school graduation requirement, as attested in writing by the sponsoring school district or authority. Applicants must submit: 1) The online application 2) An unedited writing sample 3) High school and, if applicable, college transcripts 4) One letter of recommendation 5) Comprehensive diagnostic assessment 6) Copy of the most recent IEP or 504 Plan 7) Parent or guardian statement concerning the applicant s abilities and goals for the year Applications are accepted starting August of the year prior to enrollment. Files will be reviewed when complete, and decisions mailed on or about the following dates: December 15, February 15, April 15, May 1, and thereafter on space available basis. Midyear enrollments will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Tuition Thames Academy s tuition fee is comprehensive, including room, board, and academic support services. Please visit for the most up-to-date information. You may wish to consider these funding options: Many states offer financial assistance to young people with significant disabilities, to help make the transition to college or work. Some school districts offer financial assistance or sponsorship to high school students who are preparing to graduate. Under 26 USC section 213, the Internal Revenue Service permits the itemized deduction of certain medical expenses, including specialized schooling. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Our Admissions team can refer you to banks prepared to make private loans for this purpose. If Thames students go on to Mitchell College, they are eligible for a merit scholarship based on academic performance. Thames Academy can prepare your son or daughter to succeed academically, socially and emotionally in college or whatever next step they choose. See for yourself. Call us at to set up a visit or to discuss your child s needs. We re here to help. To begin, please visit Mitchell College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or sexual orientation, in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

12 Thames Academy In Brief: Innovative, residential, post-graduate certificate program Emphasis on academic, social, and emotional preparation for college or a career Small classes where students can earn up to 18 college credits Structured individualized support for students with a variety of learning differences Two-thirds of Thames graduates typically go on to college Housed in a beautifully renovated historic home overlooking the Thames River Located on the waterfront campus of Mitchell College in New London, CT A two-hour drive from Boston or New York City; under an hour from airports in Hartford, CT and Providence, RI 437 Pequot Avenue, New London, CT [email protected]