TEC Phoenix Academy Academics

Academic Expectations

TEC Phoenix Academy students (and staff partners) will effectively strive to think critically, read to comprehend and evaluate, listen, discuss, speak and present in formal and informal settings. Students/teacher partners will use technology to apply scientific principles and processes to write for various audiences. Student/staff partners will engage in therapeutic intervention.

TEC Phoenix Academy offers an academic curriculum aligned to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and includes a highly personalized program of classroom, hands-on, online, and blended learning based on the needs of students. Supported by a strong instructional technology platform and resource-rich classrooms equipped with interactive projection systems, each student’s curriculum fully integrates special education services, executive functioning skills development, and ongoing individual support from highly-qualified Massachusetts DESE-certified teachers.

Class sizes at TEC Phoenix Academy are conducive to an excellent learning environment, with a 4 to 1 student/teacher ratio in academic classes.

Academic Course Catalog

We work closely with our member districts and individual students to provide a seamless transition and meet credit requirements. Our broadly based comprehensive education features a highly structured core curriculum, with courses available in the following areas:

  • STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
  • Humanities: English Language Arts, History, Civics/Social Studies
  • Electives: Health, Physical Education, Photography, Anime, Film Studies, Drawing, Online courses
  • TPA Culinary Program: Our unique culinary program provides hands-on, real-world application of skills in a learning experience tailored towards building career skills.

Online Courses

TEC Phoenix Academy students have the opportunity to take online classes in subjects not offered on-site. Students may enroll in online classes in order to fulfill specific graduation requirements or to pursue an independent study of a topic of interest. Coursework is provided via Gradpoint and TECCA. Classes are also offered through eDynamic Learning Center, providing programs of study in pathways to leading industry-recognized certifications. Sequenced learning tracks aligned to national standards prepare students for industry-endorsed certification across a range of career- and elective studies from animation, fiction writing, and veterinary sciences to forensic science and personal finance.

Therapeutic Support

TEC Phoenix Academy offers students an array of treatment approaches including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - helps students become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so they can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
  • Social Pragmatics - helps students use language within social situations through social skills groups, social modeling and coaching in the milieu, engaging students in community immersion
  • Service Learning - community-based volunteer work activities that help improve students’ self-esteem by providing service and improving the quality of life to others.
  • Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) - is the non-punitive, non-adversarial, trauma-informed model of care Dr. Ross Greene originated and staff at TEC Phoenix Academy utilize in their work with students to identify lagging skills and engage in problem-solving.
  • DBT Skills Groups -students are taught lessons and engage in activities in the four skills modules of dialectical behavioral therapy: core mindfulness; distress tolerance; interpersonal effectiveness; and emotion regulation.
  • Career and College Readiness Groups - students prepare their post-secondary portfolios, complete interest surveys, research careers, engage in online elective courses through eDynamic in an area of career interest, prepare resumes, apply to jobs, learn interview skills, practice soft skills and identify technical skills and areas for growth.
  • Substance Abuse Prevention/Education, Harm Reduction and Cessation Tools - students have opportunities for 1:1 and group treatment. Past assemblies have included presenters from Caron Treatment Centers (Brain Drain and Dangers of Vaping) and the Improbable Players, which uses actors in recovery to engage students in theater, team building and break out groups to address addiction, alcoholism, and the opioid epidemic.

This wide range of treatment options provides students the opportunity to learn about themselves and become equipped with the skills necessary to effectively regulate their emotions and manage their behavior.

Social and Civic Expectations:

Upon graduation, students receive their diploma from their home district. Students are provided a ceremony, at TEC Phoenix Academy, to celebrate their achievements. If allowed the opportunity by their district, students are able to walk at their respective high school graduation.

Transition Services

TEC Phoenix Academy offers an array of post-secondary pre-employment training services:

  • OSHA Certification in General Industry and Health Services
  • Vocational Instruction and Training in Culinary Arts at the Norwood Senior Center
  • ServSafe Instruction and Certification
  • Part-time Job and Career Exploration
  • Resume preparation and Interview Skills Development
  • Employment, Internship and/or Volunteer-based learning opportunities
  • Information sessions and tours at career, technical training and/or college sites
  • Drivers permit preparation and trips to RMV for testing.
  • Assistance with applications to post-secondary opportunities
  • College and Career Readiness Groups for all grade levels

Graduation/Diploma

Upon graduation, students receive their diploma from their home district. Students participate in a ceremony at TEC Phoenix Academy, to celebrate their achievements. Additionally, if allowed the opportunity by their district, students are able to participate in senior events and walk at their respective high school graduation.

At TEC Phoenix Academy we strive to provide our students with a challenging and rigorous academic curriculum within a dynamic and supportive learning community.

Community Service

  • Students volunteer in our community including Unity Farm Sanctuary, Community Harvest Project, The Norwood Senior Center, Earth Day, and Agricultural Projects.
  • Students participate in quarterly volunteering days, contribute to our surrounding communities and participate in team-building.
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