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High School Program

The Calais School offers academic programming comparable with course offerings at secondary schools throughout the State that meet graduation requirements.

The Calais School Curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Core Content Curriculum Standards including Spanish which is the Calais School designated World Language.

Each core curriculum area and textbooks are on a five-year review cycle to ensure the most current practices and close alignment with the public schools.

New Jersey certified Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultants (LDTCs) and Instructional Supervisors, manage each student’s case to optimize student progress and provide direct supervision to classroom teachers.   Each class is staffed by a certified Teacher of the Handicapped as well as a Teacher Assistant.   Most Teacher Assistants hold BA degrees and many are certified teachers.

The Calais School is an approved test site for the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).

The Calais School’s Transition Program provides students the opportunity to participate in school-based activities including pre-vocation training opportunities both on and off campus.   The Calais School has expanded its vocational program offerings to include business practices, fine arts/graphic design and other life-skills learning opportunities.   

Cooperative Programs and Partnerships with County College of Morris and vocational schools enable our high school students to participate in advanced and augmented educational and career-oriented programs.  Qualified students may take on-line or on-campus college courses, or half-day vocational programs, while continuing their academic education at Calais.  Calais also works with higher education as a site for those providing student teaching and internship opportunities for their students. 

Calais staff members generate Present Levels of Performance, Instructional Goals & Objectives, and Behavior Intervention Plans on an on-going basis for use during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings between staff, parents, and counselors.

The Calais School has a modern Computer Lab connected to the Internet with filtering software.

In addition, all classes have a least one computer connected to the Internet on a T-1 line and several stand-alone computers for instruction.   Each class has cable TV and a VCR for instructional purposes.

Several classes have sound field systems and individual listening devices to enhance learning for students with learning disabilities and/or auditory processing problems.

The Calais School has many elective activities.   The Fine and Performing Arts are an integral part of our academic and extra-curricular programs.  Special music instruction, chorus, dance, and theater arts are available based on student interest and availability.  In addition, Calais also has offered basketball and soccer team as well as cheerleading.  Additional sports clinics are offered based on student interest.

If a student is deemed ready to transition back to the local district, Calais staff members are available to make on-site visits and confer with local district staff to provide for a smooth and successful transition.