At Garfield, we believe that modifications of behavior are the direct result of an educational experience that
retrains attitudes, motives and emotional responses.

Educational:
Garfield Park Academy is academically and vocationally oriented and provides for all ranges of academic
abilities, from those pupils needing individualized academic assistance, to those who are gifted. Our state approved
program assists students in job placement during or after school hours, during the summers and even after
graduation. Our cooperative education program offers students an opportunity to gain experience in a future vocation.

Therapeutic:
Every classroom has a certified school social worker, and every student at Garfield receives individual and/or group
counseling daily. Through this and other therapeutic approaches by clinical social workers, (M.S.W.’s) a psychologist
and consulting psychiatrists, students progress to the point of being able to return to the local school district.

Our varied and broad spectrum programs include:
Circles of Support—a group of 3-5 people with varied backgrounds who meet as a group and guide the student
in determining his or her future direction.
Parent education—evening group discussions with social workers, psychologists and/or psychiatrists
Art & music therapy
Speech & language therapy
Family therapy—home and/or school visits by our family therapist involve family and siblings in the education
and emotional plan for students.
Vocational education
Extended school year

Our Goals:
To provide academic growth
To transition students back to the local school district inthe shortest
time possible
To improve student behavior patterns and self-management through
positive reinforcement
To motivate students to remain in an educational setting
To strengthen parent involvement in meetings andfamily counseling
sessions
To promote more personal interaction between staff and students
maintaining a high staff to student ratio
To minimize and then eliminate student chemical dependence
To develop careers and match students with jobs through vocational
courses, a vocational cooperative education program, interest
inventory, hands-on vocational experience and visits to local industry
To provide college scholarships to local institutions of
higher learning

Garfield Park Academy uses an evidence-based approach to working with students with emotional challenges. The program used by Garfield Park Academy has been used successfully for over 40 years.

Garfield Park Academy can help students obtain at no cost:
In-Home Counseling
Intensive In-Community Counseling
Behavioral Assistance
Behavioral Therapeutic Assistance
Evaluations and Needs Assessments
Individualized Service Plans
Crisis Facilities