Skyward Academy was founded on the belief that not all students learn the same, so not all schools should be the same. We work to overcome the sometimes negative school experiences of students with learning challenges to build confidence and individual growth. Students feel welcomed and accepted in spite of their differences. They learn at their own pace, and they form friendships, often for the first time. In our unique environment, students with learning differences can flourish.
General Info:
Address: 9994 Zig Zag Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Phone: (513) 222-4611
Website: http://www.skywardacademy.com
Q&A with Skyward Academy:
What makes Skyward Academy unique?
Skyward Academy has a small, family-like atmosphere. Every staff member knows every student. We teach INDIVIDUALS, not CLASSES. We teach at the student’s level for mastery, which may be different for each student, and we adjust to meet the needs of the STUDENT, not the needs of the school. Our instruction and curricula are customized to meet the individual needs of students while also incorporating state academic standards. Program components include academic instruction, behavior management strategies, life skills instruction, counseling, community outings, speech, and occupational therapy services. Enrichment classes such as art, music, drama, physical activity, and a large number of online electives are also available. Skyward students can obtain a high school diploma by meeting the Ohio graduation requirements. Our students leave us and go to college, vocational programs, and transitional programs.
What is Skyward Academy’s age/grade range?
Skyward Academy in Montgomery serves students in grades 6 through high school graduation. We also have an elementary program in Monfort Heights for K – 6.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Students wishing to start at the beginning of a school year should apply the winter before, as seats tend to fill up. We offer rolling admissions for students to enroll at any time pending space availability. Some scholarships have priority deadlines in April.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Most of our students utilize the Ohio Autism Scholarship or the Ohio Jon Peterson Scholarship to pay for most if not all of their tuition. A limited number of supplemental scholarships are available to cover remaining costs. Skyward will work with families to the best of their ability to make our school affordable.
What are the standard school day hours?
Our Skyward class day is from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm. We follow a traditional school year calendar.
Does Skyward Academy offer before/after school care? Does Skyward Academy offer afterschool activities?
Many families have to work out transportation issues, so our doors open at 7:45 for early drop off, and stay open until 5:30 for late pick up. These are supervised times, and there is a small additional charge for this.
Skyward offers a limited number of at-school afterschool activities. Skyward students are also eligible to participate in any and all extracurriculars and sports offered by their districts of residence, as long as they meet the qualification guidelines.
Does Skyward Academy have a homework policy?
Homework is often a tremendous source of angst for many families of students with learning challenges. Because of this, our middle school age students can be opted in or out of homework at parent request. If homework is given, it follows our High School policy.
Skyward Academy High School students should expect some homework. Our philosophy on homework is that it should be review and reinforcement more than new information. Homework can teach responsibility and commitment skills. School-wide, homework is assigned by teachers on Monday, and is due on Friday. This way, students can learn to schedule their homework around other things in their life. Many students take advantage of breaks during the school day, or a study hall, to complete their homework.
Does Skyward Academy offer support for students with special needs?
Skyward Academy serves students with a variety of learning challenges. All of our students have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from their public school district. Our entire school is based on a model of specially designed instruction for students with special needs. Our class sizes are from 5 to 10 students each, with two teachers. We also have speech language therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, reading specialists, and other supports for special needs.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does Skyward Academy offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
Students can participate in music, physical education, art, drama, Spanish, college prep, STEM, and career exploration and workplace readiness classes. We also offer almost 100 online electives with support, so we have students who take classes in areas such as criminology, psychology, business, dual college credit, and a variety of foreign languages.
What are Skyward Academy’s safety policies?
Our school is a locked campus so all building visitors must be personally admitted by staff. Our building is monitored by video surveillance, and our small size means that everyone knows each other. Our counselors and staff are trained in de-escalation techniques, and we have a selective admission policy where we do not accept students with significant behavioral challenges if we cannot meet their needs.
