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Lower School

All Students are provided individualized instruction in Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics.

Orton-Gillingham instruction is available to all students who require that type of instruction.  Presently the Calais School employs the following programs based on the child's age and needs. Phonemic Awareness, Phono-Graphix & Wilson Language Training.

The Calais School Curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards including Spanish which is the Calais School designated World Language.   Textbooks are on a five-year review cycle to ensure the most current information, practices, and close alignment with public school curricula.

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 Students with Disabilities as well as a Teacher Assistant.   Most Teacher Assistants hold BA degrees and many are certified teachers.

The Calais School is a staff-approved site for New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJASK) testing.
Calais staff members generate Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional 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.  In addition, Calais offers numerous sports clinics.

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.