Essex Academy

Essex Academy is a therapeutic school for students, grades 6 through 12, who have a documented history of psychiatric needs. Essex Academy is designed for students whose psychological disorders are deterring them from making effective progress within their
regular school setting.

Students are provided individualized academic and therapeutic support services during the school day, with the ultimate goal of the student attaining a sufficient degree of mental and emotional health to allow a return to their respective school.

Through structured academic, therapeutic, and recreational activities, students are empowered to be active participants in meeting their educational, therapeutic, and life goals. Students receive academic instruction in a small, individualized classroom setting, in which each student's educational instruction is individualized based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. School credits are coordinated with each student's respective school, to ensure that each student remains on track for graduation.

Individual and group counseling is provided for students on a daily basis. The program goal for students receiving therapeutic services is to support the student in developing personal understanding and insight into factors that are impeding their academic and interpersonal growth. Group activities are structured to provide an open, therapeutic environment in which students can openly discuss issues related to self-esteem, socialization, anger management, conflict resolution, and future planning.

Essex Academy is committed to providing students with an individualized academic and therapeutic program that allows students to feel successful both in the classroom and in the community.

Entrance Criteria

1. The student has a documented history of psychiatric needs.

2. The student is invested in his/her academic and emotional health.

3. The student has difficulty developing satisfactory interpersonal relationships.

4. The student possesses the ability to function in a restraint free environment.

5. The student possesses average to above average intelligence.

Services Offered:

• Individualized Academic Instruction
• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Cognitive and Projective Assessments
• Academic and Achievement Assessments
• Crisis Intervention/Deescalation
• Restraint Free Environment
• 12-Month Program, including six summer weeks
• Safety Evaluations
• Functional Behavioral Assessments
• Grade Level Academics
• MCAS Preparation
• College Guidance

Schedule:

Essex Academy follows the Methuen Public Schools 180-day student schedule. All holidays, vacations, start dates, snow days, etc., are based on the Methuen Public Schools calendar. In addition to the 180-day public school calendar, there is a six-week summer program for all students enrolled in Essex Academy.

Essex Academy is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student hours
are from 7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.