Joseph Academy is an Illinois State Board of Education approved private, not-for-profit, therapeutic day school organization that works with Chicago area school district special education representatives who place students in the program. Local school districts or social service agencies may have criteria regarding who they refer to our school. You may contact your local public school district or Joseph Academy directly to inquire about local criteria. Prior to acceptance, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must be completed along with a formal interview of the family. If you have further questions regarding your child's potential acceptance into our program, please feel free to contact us.

Motivational System

The reinforcement of positive student behavior is achieved through the motivation system, which is divided into five levels of advancement. Points must be earned to advance from one level to the next, and with each new level, students gain responsibilities. Students are awarded points every day for academic work and good behavior. They can lose points as well for inappropriate actions. With accumulated points, student buy items from the school store or earn privileges.

Within the Level System, Joseph Academy utilizes a point system based on the Boys Town model. The point system is the foundation for determining movement between the five (5) levels. As with the Level System, the goal is to effect behavioral change and growth to increase the students successful participation in both the alternative and mainstream settings.

The point system is a therapeutic tool that provides:

• A basis for establishing rapport and building relationships with student

• Structure and predictability

• Immediate reinforcement and feedback

• Motivation for student growth

• Development of internal monitoring and evaluation strategies

• A measurable record of student progress

  
  

Curriculum

Students at Joseph Academy study the same subjects as their counterparts in regular classrooms, but with greater structure and individual attention. The curriculum is based on the requirements of each sending school district and the goals and objectives started in the student's IEP. We offer many new and exciting vocational opportunities for our students. Woodshop, bicycle maintenance and small engine repair are just a few of the programs in which our students can participate.


We work closely with each student's sending public school district to ensure that the student is enrolled in the appropriate academic classes. Many students have the opportunity to mainstream seamlessly back to their high schools. Our extended school year also offers the opportunity for students to graduate before their expected date.