KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS

ACCS follows a long tradition of progressive education that holds the child at the center of the education process. We employ highly qualified, certified teachers who are committed to our philosophy and have a strong desire to work with our school's population.

ACCS staff educates the entire child so that students recognize their potential academically and as agents of change, making our world a better place. Along with traditional academic subjects, we infuse the arts (art, music and creative movement) throughout the curriculum. We focus on personal responsibility where students learn that freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility. We expect, teach, and support appropriate, non-violent behavior following the principles of Responsive Classroom.

ACCS holds that all students must meet the New York State standards; however, the school also understands that many students will enter its door one or more years behind grade level.  Accordingly, the school is held to greater accountability for student performance and is committed to bringing students to grade level by incorporating a variety of elements into its program, such as the following:

STRONG ACADEMIC SUPPORT- LOW TEACHER/STUDENT RATIO
ACCS staff knows there are different ways in which individuals learn and as a result create an environment that is personalized for each student. Teachers employ multiple assessment measures for evaluating student achievement. Overall there is a 5:1 ratio of students to support staff. Class size ranges from 18-22 students with a teacher and teacher's assistant. ACCS employs a Coordinator who supervises the AIS team.  The AIS Team provides additional academic support and each student in the AIS program is assessed relative to individual growth.

LONGER SCHOOL DAY – ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
ACCS provides 40 additional minutes to our school day compared to the local school district. This provides us with additional time to integrate high quality art, music and movement programs into our curriculum. We also offer after-school and summer programs that provide additional academic support and enrichment.

SMALL SCHOOL
ACCS is an intentionally small community with a student population ranging from 180-220 students. This size allows students to build closer bonds with their classmates, staff, and schoolmates, enabling teachers and students to know each other better, resulting in a more personalized education.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT – RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM TRAINING
ACCS promotes a school culture where students’ thoughts and feelings are respected. Students at ACCS are part of a learning community where they work collaboratively with their classmates and other members of the community. Classroom teachers are trained in the Responsive Classroom approach to classroom management. ACCS employs a full-time counselor who is trained in Character Building and Responsive Classroom techniques.

FAMILIES AS PARTNERS
At ACCS, families are respected collaborators in the educational process. Staff listens carefully to families and requires their active collaboration in tailoring an effective educational plan for their children. We have an open-door policy for parents/guardians, who have representation on the ACCS Board of Trustees.