The Community School Inc. -- A private, specialized program designed to better educate the Learning Disabled.

ABOUT COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Beatrice Lieben, Ph.D. founded The Community School in 1968 to serve the bright child with learning and attentional disabilities. For over 30 years the school's primary goal has been to help children achieve a level of performance in the classroom that is fully commensurate with their abilities, intellects and talents. The Lower School program provides children in grades K-8 with skilled remedial help and challenging academic experience.

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ADMISSIONS:
Applications are accepted throughout the school year. Enrollment is open to both private students and public school students placed by local school districts. Students who meet any of the descriptions of learning disability, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, speech and language and perceptual impairments are eligible.

The application process involves an initial interview with parents and/or placing professional, and a review of clinical records and evaluations. This is followed by an interview and screening of the applicant. Notification of acceptance is made formally, by letter. Interested parents/guardians should contact Ms. Rita Rowan, Executive Director.

ACADEMICS PROGRAM:
Community School offers students a complete elementary curriculum in the areas of computers, language arts, mathematics, public speaking, reading, science and social studies, spelling, development of study skills and importance of homework.

Click on the below links for detailed information about our academics programs.
COMPUTER PROGRAM
HOMEWORK & STUDY SKILLS
LANGUAGE ARTS
MATHEMATICS
READING & SPELLING
SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES

ENRICHMENT:
Enrichment is provided by classes in art, crafts, drama, social activities, trips, projects, and cultural experiences. Dramatic performances, an art fair, an academic exposition, and a literary magazine offer children outlets for their talent and resources.

SPECIAL THERAPY PROGRAMS:
Click on the below links for information on our Special Therapy Programs:
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
VISUAL-MOTOR INTEGRATION AND HANDWRITING THERAPY
INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION AND CLINICS
GUIDANCE

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH:
Physical Education on a frequent schedule is designed to develop gross motor skills, teach team sports and foster good sportsmanship. When indicated, adaptive classes are provided for those students needing further support in specific gross motor areas. In addition to the regularly scheduled gym, the daily recess program offers students an opportunity to further develop their skills and pursue specific sports interest.

Cooperative activities based on the Project Adventure curriculum are included in the Physical Education Program to foster cooperation rather than competition. The activities build self-esteem, self-awareness, self-reliance and support for others. Team problem solving is the foundation of the program.

Health classes are offered in a small group setting by a certified school nurse. Topics discussed include family life, body systems, personal hygiene, nutrition, safety, and alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse. Methodology includes use of videos, films, and filmstrips, lectures, demonstrations and discussions, and paper and pencil activities.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:
Community School encourages parental involvement. An open school evening is scheduled early in the academic year. Individual parent-staff meetings are held periodically throughout the year. In addition, a variety of formats have been developed to meet parental need for information, guidance and support.

An active Parents Association sponsors an annual series of evening programs focused on learning disabilities and management of the learning disabled child. The Association also plans activities for families, holds discussions of issues of concern to parents, and promotes fundraising activities for support and expansion of programs.