When people hear the words “alternative school,” they think of “bad” students, emotional outbursts or students who just don’t fit in. But at schools like Aim High School in Farmington Hills, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Instead, schools like Aim High were founded with the goal to create a safe space for students who haven’t always felt seen.
“Most of the students that come to Aim have not had success at more traditional schools. They haven’t felt safe, they haven’t felt seen — they’ve really struggled to make social connections, not just with peers, but also with teachers,” explains Head of School, Mike Earls.
“Everything begins with how a student feels when they walk into the building,” he adds. “At their traditional schools, it was almost like walking into a hostile environment every day, and no one can operate at their peak in that setting.”
That’s why at Aim High, you’ll find smaller class sizes, sensory-friendly rooms and activities meant for students to thrive.
What is the environment like at Aim High School?
Instead of forcing a child into a traditional classroom and hoping for the best, Aim High understands their students may work better in a setting with just five to 8 students or may need some additional breaks. That’s why Aim High provides scheduled movement times throughout the day and spaces where students can cool off as needed.
But it goes beyond the space itself — Aim High School also places a huge priority on creating strong teacher and student relationships.
“We’re talking real relationships here,” Earls explains. “These are relationships that give students the confidence to talk with a teacher if they have a problem or need help with a social situation. In my experience, when you build that strong relationship, kids start to relax and trust people, they’re not as fearful, and school becomes a place where they want to be — not a place where they’re afraid to walk through the front door because they know they’re going to have a tough day.”
Additional support built into the day
The school even has a built-in Study Skills Class one hour every day after school. During this time, students can work directly with teachers on things like executive functioning, organizational skills and how to prioritize tasks. Aim High also provides teacher assistance with homework afterschool. This is especially helpful for students who struggle with transitions.
“This support keeps our kids on track,” Earls says. “It makes their home life a little easier because they’re not fighting with their parents on getting their work done.”
It also allows kids to find and focus more on what they’re passionate about as an outlet while they’re home, instead of focusing on homework.
This content is sponsored by Aim High School. Discover more at the school’s website.
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/hAJ7ucy
0 comments:
Post a Comment