The goal of the Two Year Certificate Program is to transition students to greater independence. The curriculum offers a full range of life skills, social skills, functional academics, pre-vocational and community independence training, as well as music studies.

Transition to Independence Courses (Course Descriptions)

• Life Skills (budgeting, money management, hygiene, meal preparation, room maintenance, shopping, laundry, and community independence)
• Social Skills ( men’s and women’s health, healthy relationships, and circles curriculum)
• Pre-vocational training (field work at preschools, offices, nursing homes, and senior centers)
• Public speaking
• Language arts
• Functional mathematics
• Computer Skills
• Community exploration
• Healthy living
• Fitness

Music Study

All students are offered the opportunity to participate in music classes. Music classes are interest and ability based and are taught by professional musicians who help bring our students to the next level of performance or improve beginner skills.

Individual and group performances are used as a teaching tool to enhance all areas of study. The Academy uses learning a new instrument or preparing for a concert as an opportunity to teach students important values such as cooperation, communication, acceptance of criticism, flexibility, and responsibility.

Classes may include:

• Two private music lessons
• Chorus
• Instrumental and/ or vocal ensembles (Orff, World Music, Jazz, String, Musical theatre, and Percussion)
• Music fundamentals
• Music theory
• Music technology
• Song writing

Pre-Vocational Work

In the second year, students are introduced to the basic principles of employment with emphasis on learning and developing the social and communication skills necessary for success in the workplace. They learn basic work skills, considerations in working with different populations, basic repertoire, appropriate presentation, use and maintenance of equipment, and public speaking skills. Regular practice in field work settings is an important component of the program.

The Academy maintains a relationship with local preschools, nursing homes, and senior centers, all of which serve as field work sites. Our students prepare weekly programs and activities for these facilities and travel to these sites. Afterward, they reflect on their experience during in-class workshops. These supervised field work opportunities are designed to aid students as they begin to look for life-long vocation in music and non-music areas. The basic job skills apply for all future vocation.

(Download an application)