The Henry Viscardi School high school program provides students with a challenging curriculum, cultural/social enrichment and essential life skills.
The high school program (grades 9 through 12) at the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, is an accredited model school that offers parents of children with severe physical disabilities and who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option. Its unique and innovative programs of excellence address the scholastic, health, assistive technology, therapeutic, recreational, vocational, and social needs of its students.
Instruction is provided in the same subjects as those at any other public school and students work towards New York State Regents and Local diplomas equivalent to their peers who do not have a disability. Through presentations by adults with disabilities who share their personal life experiences, the high school students see first hand that they too can lead successful and full lives.
In addition, after-school and enrichment opportunities are offered to encourage students to take chances, act like leaders, become independent and pay it forward. These clubs, activities and experiences allow them to meet children in other classes and grades, as well as those in surrounding communities, and include student government, speaking engagements at neighboring schools, writing for the school newspaper, designing the annual yearbook, adapted sports, internships, overnights and senior class trips.
The Henry Viscardi School also offers a post 12th grade program, Project R.A.M.P. (Reaching All My Potential). This project-based program, for youths with disabilities up to age 21 who continue to work towards a diploma, focuses on increasing the student’s experiences and knowledge of their communities. This is accomplished through group and personalized projects, independent living overnights, business ventures, supported work experiences and weekly swimming. Field trips out into the community are planned around specialized projects and extended day programming based on group activities, such as planning, shopping for and preparing a dinner together, assist in developing the skills they need to become successful community members. Teachers, teacher assistants, and therapists work as a team to maximize each student’s potential and independence.