Special Education

Timber Ridge School is approved as a special education facility. Our instructional programs meet the needs of emotionally disturbed and learning disabled students. We are licensed by the Virginia Interdepartmental Office for the Regulation of Children's Facilities and we meet the Special Education standards. We are accredited by the Virginia Association of Specialized Education Facilities and by the National Council for the Accreditation of Special Education Services. All our educational staff have certificates to teach special education and in their content area.

Many of our students have experienced repeated school failure. While our students have normal ability, due to behaviors, learning disabilities, truancy, or lack of interest and motivation, school has not been a successful place for them. In an individualized and supportive environment, we teach respect for and the joy of learning. Students succeed in school, learn that they can achieve, and change attitudes about learning.

The academic and vocational programs at Timber Ridge School are organized as follows:

Orientation Class
For the first 60-90 days that a student is at Timber Ridge School, he is enrolled in an orientation class. There are never more than 10 students in this class, with two teachers. Our educational diagnostician also works closely with the students in this class. We learn about the students learning styles. He learns about our expectations of him in the classroom. When he is ready, he will move to our Middle School or High School program.

Middle School
Our middle school students (Grades 6-8) are in a single class with a typical middle school curriculum. The class is designed for 16 students with two teachers. The teachers are certified and endorsed in middle school education and in special education.

High School
Seven teachers form a high school department, providing instruction as required by the needs of the students. Our teachers are certified and endorsed in their area of primary teaching assignment as well as in special education. Our students enroll in courses of study that can include college preparatory, standard, general academic development, or an individual adaptation. A library, a computer lab, a gymnasium and weight lifting area, and outdoor sports fields support a well-rounded educational program. Decisions about the appropriate course of study are made with the family and the student when we write the Individualized Educational Program.

School is in session for 12 months each year. In the summer months, students can enroll in educational classes to make up deficiencies from prior years. They may also take classes to meet requirements for fine arts credits and other electives. We offer classes in Shakespeare, drama, fine arts and design, music, etc.