Programs & Services
Specialized Academic Instruction
At Summa Academy, we recognize the transformative power of education. Rooted in the belief that every student holds the potential for greatness, we are dedicated to providing specialized instruction within our nonpublic special education setting. Through tailored academic support and individualized learning plans, we nurture each student's unique strengths and abilities. Our commitment is to empower every learner to achieve their aspirations and excel in a supportive and inclusive environment. Welcome to Summa Academy, where specialized instruction opens doors to limitless possibilities.
Applied Behavior Analysis
At Summa Academy, we utilize best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help children function as independently and successfully as possible. Research shows that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviors and skills and decrease the need for special services. ABA services focus on imparting skills in specific domains of functioning, such as social skills, communication, academic and learning skills, motor dexterity, hygiene and grooming, and more. Tailored to individual needs, ABA can be delivered in a variety of settings, including school, home, clinic, and other community settings.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is a therapeutic service that supports an individual’s functional success in all the things they want, need, or are required to do in life. That scope is decreased within the school setting to focus exclusively on skills a child needs to access and thrive in their educational program. At Summa Academy, OT's focus is to facilitate success in the occupational roles of student, child, and peer.
OT services are conducted as either group, individual, or consultation, and are held across the school setting (including in the classroom and the sensory gym), based on the needs of each student and following the directive of their IEP. We work as part of the dedicated multi-disciplinary Summa team, integrating OT tools and techniques across the daily schedule. In OT sessions we find fun and creative ways to promote gains in areas of self-regulation and coping skills, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and executive functions (such as problem-solving, planning, sequencing, organization, initiation/termination, impulse control, emotional control, and flexibility). Our constant aim is to provide the "just right challenge" for each student to facilitate meaningful improvement in their areas of need.
Speech Pathology
Speech–language pathology is a discipline concerning the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of communication disorders, including expressive and receptive language disorders, voice disorders, speech sound disorders, speech disfluency, and pragmatic language impairments. Speech and language services begin with an initial assessment for a communication disorder and continue with a diagnosis, followed by intervention and treatment.
Our goal at Summa is empower our students to become effective communicators. Speech therapy services are conducted either as a whole class, small group, or individual, based on the child’s specific needs, in accordance with their IEP documents. The staff at Summa works as a multi-disciplinary team, which brings our expertise and skills together, to meet the needs of each child attending our school.
Adapted Physical Education
Our Adapted Physical Education (APE) Services are designed to empower students of all abilities to develop physical fitness, motor skills, and confidence in a supportive and nurturing environment. With a focus on personalized instruction, adaptive equipment, and inclusive activities, we strive to promote physical well-being and enhance the overall quality of life for our students.