Classroom Environment 2 (CE2)

The Classroom Environment 2, CE2 groups mix in a student to teacher ratio of up to 4:1 or 8:2 and the amount of time spent in group activities is increased within a more rigorous academically focused group. Most students are elementary and middle schoolers (age 9-15) in addition to academics, there is a greater emphasis on independent life skills and personal classroom management. The Group Classroom Environment students take some field trips, which are expanded opportunities for project-based learning and socialization. All curriculum is based on Georgia Core Curriculum Standards.  Once a student demonstrates readiness to move towards CE2 academics or VIDA program the student will then participate 2-3 days out of the school week on vocational goals and life skills in addition to their classwork and other activities.  

This classroom environment is a bridge between CE2 transition involving intensive instruction and support throughout the day and less restrictive, more traditional classroom settings. CE2 academics is a program that provides students with a core curriculum schedule.  The program is designed to teach independence and communication while matching individual strengths within academic setting that are selected based on student’s affinities, abilities, and work readiness.  Students attending CE2 academics begin with Iowa Flex grade level standardize testing to determine appropriate support and grade level academics. Common Core Georgia standards instruction, social thinking, occupational therapeutic consultation, and self-advocacy skill building as related to the peer environment occur at NHA classroom.  Students will attend a rotation model personalized learning experience by working in small groups at a station, so teacher can pay closer attention and to support individual learners.  

The importance of social-emotional learning is deeply rooted in our mission and core values at New Heights Academy. In every classroom, the foundation for learning is a warm, inclusive community, and strong, caring relationships between children and teachers. Every teen with autism, just like every teen, has an emotional life and experiences a widening range of emotions as they develop. Social learning occurs throughout various settings in a child’s school day. This is where children develop their sense of autonomy and their independent voice, even as they develop the values, rules and responsibilities of citizenship in a community. Each day children actively engage their bodies and minds – they negotiate roles, flex their imaginations, experience conflict and peacemaking, cooperate for a common goal, work as a team, share materials, forge friendships, assert their feelings and rebound from disappointments.  

At NHA, we use the latest technology to advance the school’s mission, providing our faculty with the technological tools they need to enhance their teaching while making it easier and exciting for our students to learn. The educational technology curriculum encourages our students to meet challenges with logic and creativity using a variety of technologies. Teachers work with Smart Boards to incorporate technology in their classrooms at the appropriate instructional level for each student.  We also have a computer lab  that every child has access to for stimulating and relevant lessons.  Teachers and students use iPads/Laptops and AAC devices during academic instruction, creating a unique learning experience for each student. We believe that technology is a vital tool in the educational process. NHA is equipped with technology which helps bridge learning difficulties, boosts creativity, and makes learning exciting!  

NHA Visual Arts Program develops self-confidence, brings out creativity, and promotes higher-level thinking in all of our students.  

The goal of Music Education at NHA is to learn music through experiencing music. Students learn critical musical concepts while singing, dancing, and playing. The program is designed to be stimulating, challenging, engaging and rewarding. 

Regular, Healthful Physical Activity: Provides a wide-range of developmentally appropriate activities for all children. At NHA we keep moving with our indoor sensory room, Physical Education and Yoga classes during school hours.   

Within the last quarter of the school year, if appropriate students in CE2 that are ready for the transition to CE3 or Life Skills program will participate 2-3 days of the school week on Life Skills goals in addition to their classwork and other activities.