Education

Santiam Crossing is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS). Our academic program is thoroughly individualized according to ability, grade level and academic history. We engage our students in the learning process, helping them to build and maintain skills essential to academic success.

Each student is assigned an academic advisor who outlines coursework and encourages students to develop an active interest in school subjects and in working toward on-time graduation.

Most of the time students address the class subject by working individually on an online or book based course, chosen by student and academic advisor together, to best meet the student’s particular credit needs, abilities and interest. As they work, they receive individual tutoring from the teacher.

Our small class size at Santiam Crossing means that each student receives the time and attention of educators who guide students in the practice of personal responsibility, organization, time management and recognition of their strengths as learners. Classroom teachers provide structure and support for each student.

Unlike many traditional schools, we require our students to apply therapeutic learning to their academic life. Our teachers and therapists maintain close communication about students, ensuring that the treatment focus of each student is applied in the classroom setting.

We expect our students to:

• Develop a thorough understanding of their learning strengths, weaknesses and needs
• Become advocates for their academic needs
• Develop short-term and long-term academic goals and plans
• Appropriately communicate with teachers
• Develop effective study skills, organization and time management
• Develop a strong belief in their academic abilities
• Apply the tools of recovery to the stresses and problems that arise in the classroom and in everyday life

Third Classroom
Students who have trouble concentrating through a school day may, with the teacher’s permission, spend half an hour to a couple of hours in our Third Classroom doing physical work such as wildfire training, trail building, sawing wood, construction and maintenance, stream restoration or food stocking and pantry clean-up. This experiential classroom is led by teacher and students can earn elective credit for their participation.

Year-Round Schooling
Students take courses year-round at Santiam Crossing; this enables us to have rolling admissions and to accept new students at all times of the year. Only during adventure weeks are students on academic break.

Classes and Scheduling
Our classes are small in size and allow for plenty of individualized attention. Each student works independently with self-paced, accredited coursework selected specifically with the learner’s needs and abilities in mind. Students are taught to structure their time on order to progress at a pace and in a manner conducive to genuine learning and concept mastery. Click here to view academic course catalog.

Electives
Unlike core courses, which are selected to fulfill specific graduation requirements, electives are geared more towards self-discovery, personal development, individual interests and the wilderness/natural environment and may include credits such as whitewater guiding, horsemanship and horse training, leadership, home economics and construction. These elective courses are pursued independently and according to personal interests and goals.

Accreditation
Santiam Crossing School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.

Course of Study Options
Meeting the unique needs of our students means tailoring a course of study designed to most appropriately challenge each learner. Students who are behind a year or more academically may benefit most from a credit recovery option or may seek GED preparation and testing just as students on track with their age/grade level can focus on standard or gifted courses.

High School Diplomas
If a student is likely to return to his or her previous school, we will work directly with that school to select courses necessary for graduation from that particular school. Students may also graduate with a diploma from Santiam Crossing School.

Testing and Post-Secondary Planning
GED, SAT and ACT tests can be scheduled for students. Support and preparations for such testing will be provided as independent study at no additional cost. Preparations with a tutor, if requested, are possible and will be at an additional cost.

Students wanting to develop college and/or career plans will have every opportunity to do so. The academic director assists parents and students with the college application process. If families are working with an educational consultant, we will be glad to include them in the process as well.

Progress Reports
Constructive assessment enables students to continue their studies while working to build their self-esteem. Progress is measured individually. Students meet with their academic advisor weekly and the advisor regularly relays academic status and progress to therapists and parents. Parents are invited to attend student-teacher-parent conferences on family weekends in addition to receiving regular contact with the academic advisor via phone and email.

Fees and Tuition
Tuition, textbooks, standardized testing, and diploma program application fees are incurred at no additional cost to families and are included in your monthly rate. Special tutoring, assistive devices, and programmatic or staffing needs beyond our normal scope will be billed in addition to standard rates. Your approval will be obtained before fee-based measures are implemented regarding your child’s schooling.