Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia Introduces New High School Program

Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia, based in Manayunk, has introduced a new high school program this fall, offering individualized instruction for students ages 15 to 21. This program will serve individuals with autism as well as other intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing evidence-based educational services. The new program is accepting applications all year long, so new students may transfer to Y.A.L.E. School any time.

“We believe all students learn best in a positive, engaging environment,” said Jacqueline Turner, M.Ed., BCBA, Program Supervisor, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia. “With this new program, we’re furthering our commitment to give students who have not experienced success in school a fresh opportunity to build confidence and experience achievement through our evidence-based approach.”

The program is focused on serving students who require intensive support to address significant delays of academic and social skills, and will help them build functional life skills through individualized classroom and community instruction. Y.A.L.E. School uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) within an interdisciplinary team approach that integrates speech and language pathology, occupational and physical therapy, and social skill development classes throughout the school day.

“As we all know, high school is an incredibly important time for any student to build skills for the future,” said Patrick Graham, Education Director, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia. “We’re dedicated to helping our students prepare for the transition to adulthood, so they can participate in a purposeful, meaningful life as a contributing member of their family and community.”

Small class sizes with abundant staff, along with a standards-based curriculum that emphasizes social skills development, are the hallmarks of the new program. Cutting-edge technology also supports learning; digital tablets equipped with programs such as PRC-Saltillo LAMP Words for Life and Unity and the TouchMath series will enrich the process, although the educational focus will be on face-to-face instruction and peer-to-peer learning experiences.

“We’re especially excited for the peer-mentoring partnership program we are cultivating with other area high schools,” added Graham. “Y.A.L.E. students will be able to meet and work in pairs or small groups with their ‘neurotypical’ peer mentors for school projects and service learning.”

Parents and guardians of students in the high school program have plenty of opportunities to connect with teachers for updates on their student’s progress, with daily written communications, frequent scheduled phone calls and quarterly written IEP progress reports.

“After having our son attend Y.A.L.E. school, we didn’t want him to attend any other school,” says Carlos Delgado, father of Carlos Jr., 14. Carlos, who was non-verbal when he entered Y.A.L.E. School in 2019, has been thriving and speaking words and short phrases clearly, and has now continued on in the high school program.

“We are amazed and impressed with the programming, curriculum, passion and support that the staff provides to their students,” adds Delgado. “They have continuously gone above and beyond to provide Carlos with all the tools and support he needs, and improve his overall skill set.”

For more information about Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia or to apply, visit https://yaleschoolpa.com/high-school-program/ or contact Stefanie Musto at smusto@yaleschoolpa.com or 215-839-0525 ext. 210.

About Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia
The Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia campus is located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia and provides an environment dedicated to cultivating the strengths, interests and abilities of students on the autism spectrum and with related differences. Engaging students in grades K-12, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia offers a highly individualized, challenging and creative curriculum for students who are academically capable, but who experience difficulties in their current school environment because of sensory, social competency, executive function, anxiety or learning differences. Students benefit from best practices including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavior support and instruction based on the work of Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking®, the Wilson Reading System® and early transition planning. Hands-on, project-based learning leverages each student’s interests in through classroom and community resources that encourage discovery and exploration. For more information, go to www.yaleschoolpa.com.