Program Details
School Year Information
Each student’s academic and life skills education is personalized.
The teachers at Paradigm Development Center (PDC) modify the curriculum to form fit each student with specific goals in the areas of academics, emotion regulation, behavior management, communication, self-care, vocational & independent living skills, physical activities, and social skills.
Individual student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1.
An informal educational survey will be used to place students in the appropriate classroom setting. PDC parents & students are required to attend an education plan meeting with PDC staff at the beginning of each school year.
The first day of school during the 2023-2024 school year is August 21, 2023.
The last day of school for the 2023-2024 school year is May 24, 2023.
School Year Activities
During the first two weeks at PDC, new students will be surveyed to better understand their specific grade level in the core subjects. They will be familiarized with the online academic portal. Also, during the first two weeks, students will practice basic skills in the following areas:
· Relationship building
Self-awareness & awareness of life in nature
Emotional regulation, social & coping skills
During the entire school year, PDC students will continue to develop basic skills in relationship building, self-awareness, awareness of life around them, and emotional regulation & coping skills. In addition to these skills, students will work within the online academic portal and the school programs listed below as it relates to their student education plan.
The teachers at Paradigm Development Center (PDC) modify the curriculum to form fit each student with specific goals in the areas of academics, emotion regulation, behavior management, communication, self-care, vocational & independent living skills, physical activities, and social skills.
Individual student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1.
An informal educational survey will be used to place students in the appropriate classroom setting. PDC parents & students are required to attend an education plan meeting with PDC staff at the beginning of each school year.
The first day of school during the 2023-2024 school year is August 21, 2023.
The last day of school for the 2023-2024 school year is May 24, 2023.
School Year Activities
During the first two weeks at PDC, new students will be surveyed to better understand their specific grade level in the core subjects. They will be familiarized with the online academic portal. Also, during the first two weeks, students will practice basic skills in the following areas:
· Relationship building
Self-awareness & awareness of life in nature
Emotional regulation, social & coping skills
During the entire school year, PDC students will continue to develop basic skills in relationship building, self-awareness, awareness of life around them, and emotional regulation & coping skills. In addition to these skills, students will work within the online academic portal and the school programs listed below as it relates to their student education plan.
School Year Programs
Academics Program
Academics at PDC includes curricula for late elementary, middle, and high school students. All students are given an informal educational survey to determine grade placement, cognitive abilities, vocation & independent living skills, gross & fine motor skills, and social-emotional needs.
Nature-Based Education Program
At Paradigm Development Center (PDC), we believe some of the best learning and awareness of self & others occurs in nature. We have several nature-based programs that foster the development of critical skills such as trust, self-esteem, empathy, emotional regulation, and responsibility.
Technology Education Program
The Technology Education program includes lessons in these computer applications: Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drive, Gmail, and YouTube. Additionally, students learn basic skills in typing and data entry.
Fitness & Well-Being Program
The Well-Being program at PDC includes Calm & Concentration [breathing exercises, stretching, & social-emotional journaling], mindfulness activities, nature walks, Leadership Training Class [functional fitness, survival skills, & physio-cognitive activities].
The PDC Vocation & Independent Life (VIL) program prepares students for college-life, the workforce, and independent life. This program engages students in the areas of independent living skills, job readiness, direct interactions & experiences in and around our community, volunteer opportunities, civic engagement, job coaching & shadowing, and weekly field trips.
Educational Tracks
PDC uses the Foundation High School Diploma requirements as a guide for our graduating students enrolling in a college or trade school and for those seeking meaningful employment. We work to prepare students for the rest of their lives. We collaborate with our students and their families to provide the best skills and support necessary for their individualized needs. We actively seek out opportunities for community practice, while teaching students how to generalize and apply skills to help them to become independent, and successfully transition to post secondary life.
Students are required to complete 22 credits in Math, English, Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, languages other than English, Physical Education, as well as electives.
Students must complete all requirements for the Foundation diploma plus one endorsement that equals 4 credits for a total of 26 credits. The endorsement includes an additional credit in math and science and two additional electives.
Click here to schedule a tour.
The in-person or virtual tours are typically 30 to 45 minutes. During the tour, your guide will answer all of your questions about the school, the campus, teachers, curricula, and the day-to-day school schedule. Your guide will also answer any other questions you have. We look forward to meeting you and scheduling a tour time that is convenient for you. If you have any questions or would like to schedule by phone, please contact the school at (281) 755-6631 or houstonpdc@gmail.com. |