Philosophy...
It is our philosophy to provide an outcome-based program that will promote students' optimal independence in his or her home and community by teaching individualized, age-appropriate life skills, including job placement. Orchard Academy supports students to successfully transition into adult living.
...In Practice
When you ask Tony if he is learning a lot at Orchard Academy, he'll tell you, "I'm learning the things I wanted to, and some I didn't expect - like cooking and doing dishes! Now I can cook using a recipe. I really like to make pasta and stir fry."
Tony is a part of the inaugural class at Orchard Academy, which opened its doors in August. He knew he had a lot to learn before he graduated from high school. After learning about the intensive training in vocational, independent living and social skills that Orchard Academy offers, he decided it was the place for him to complete his last two years of school.
In addition to learning how to cook, Tony has taken an interest in helping the Orchard Village maintenance staff keep the campus in good condition. He especially likes landscaping the campus, having learned the necessary mowing, planting and edging skills from his uncle when Tony was young.
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Tony keeps busy during the school day. He learns life skills like cleaning and cooking, he practices job searching on the internet, he participates in Job Club at Orchard Village, and he volunteers at Petco. His vocational specialist, Emily, is helping him achieve his career goals. "She teaches me how to be professional. You have to look nice, be polite, and greet people around the workplace." Tony is also learning by example from the Orchard Village Vocational Director and Orchard Academy creator, Tim Bobrowski. "Tim treats me with respect, like an adult. He answers all my questions about my job and other stuff without losing patience. Tim's a really nice guy." Tony has high hopes for life after Orchard Academy. He would like to live on his own someday and support himself with a full time job - but only if his mom won't miss him too much! |
