Middle School & High School
Program Summary
Philips Academy focuses on educating students with complex language, learning and/or cognitive disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome. Our program utilizes well-researched curriculum that provides a unique combination of evidence-based practices, remediation, practical instruction, life skills and community-based application.
Employing experienced and certified Special Education teachers, Philips Academy is the only program of its kind in the Charlotte community educating middle school and high school students.
Philips Academy also offers a post-secondary program called Bridges that offers highly motivated young adults with complex learning and social challenges the opportunity to continue their education in areas of vocational/career skills and independent living within the community.
Middle School & High School
Philips Academy is a North Carolina-approved private school. Our curriculum follows North Carolina guidelines for Occupational Course of Study. Our students earn a high school diploma upon completion of graduation requirements. We offer a progressive, research-based curricula targeting:
| Life-centered academic preparation | |
| Communication and social skills | |
| Daily living skills including managing money, time & nutrition | |
| Job exploration and career-readiness skills |
Philips Fast Facts
Co-educational school for ages 11 through 21
Full instructional day from 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM
40% of students receive financial aid
6 : 1
Maximum student-teacher ratio of 6:1
Academic remediation in math and language arts
Life skill instruction: tell time, ride the bus, cook a meal
Comprehensive vocational aptitude and interest inventory assessment
Community-based instruction, job sampling, and internships
Bridges Transition Program
Bridges is a post-secondary program for highly motivated young adults with complex learning challenges. The program serves students who desire to continue their education in areas of occupational skills and independent living within the community.
Our school provides real-world learning and work experiences, positive supportive environments and community partnerships with area businesses and agencies. The curriculum is student-centered with small group classes and individualized plans in career and personal development. Families are recognized as important team members whose encouragement of the student’s self-direction and independence is often the key to their success.
Students learn essential life skills through direct instruction, mentoring and community application. Vocational and career skills are developed through job sampling and internships.