Education ProgramEducation ProgramNew Dominion School provides middle school through high school level of classes and is fully licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Association of Experiential Education.
The School's curriculum is designed to meet the special needs of students. Adolescents enrolled at the school typically have a history of rejecting traditional educational approaches. Because it is often futile to continue to deal with these problems in ways that have been unsuccessful in the past, an innovative approach to education is provided. Upon admission each student participates in an academic assessment from which an educational plan is developed. Individual instruction allows each student to work at his own level and pace.
Upon enrollment all students begin experiential courses that include: Life Skills, Socialogy/Ciizenship. These courses are incorporated in a number of group activities and outdoor programming. Academic skills are progressively applied in meaningful ways as the group engages in making plans and carrying out projects and activities. This approach has been very successful in motivating and empowering students to take responsibility for themselves and their education.
Graduation requirements at New Dominion School in Maryland include 4 credits of English,3 credits of social studies, 3 credits of math, and 3 credits of science. Electives include physics, psychology, geography, trigonometry, journalism, and independent study. Students may also take the course work necessary to return to public or private school. Students may focus on mastering basic skills if needed. Remedial education is available for learning-disabled and behavior-disordered students. Health and Physical Education courses are offered in building and the weight room.
The School is certified to issue a New Dominion High School Diploma to students who complete Maryland graduation requirements while in residence. In addition, students for whom it is appropriate can prepare to the take the General Educational Development (GED) examination and receive their Maryland High School Diploma.
The Library/Media Center is designed to support and complement the entire instructional program. It is equipped with a wide variety of multi-media, reference and research data, as well as required and pleasure reading materials.
CAREER GUIDANCE and EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT
The school provides counseling and guidance for post-program schooling and vocational placement. Younger students generally continue their education at a public or private school, and older students seek either employment or college placement. Students who plan to attend college are helped to prepare for the SAT and conduct searches for the appropriate post secondary school.
All teachers at New Dominion School are certified by the Maryland State Department of Education.
CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the educational opportunities described above, New Dominion School provides a number of adventure based activities. These activities enhance education and provide significant experiences that build self-confidence, self-esteem, deeper relationships and trust. Adventure based activities include participation on our state of the art high and low ropes course as well as undertaking adventure trips. Trips lasting between one and three weeks include backpacking, canoeing, bicycling, sea kayaking and sailing.
The sense of success a student experiences as he completes a group project or finishes an extended hiking, bicycling, or canoeing trip serves as important stepping stones towards building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Adventure activities enhance academic progress and provide significant experiences that build self-confidence, self-esteem, group cohesiveness, and trust in others.
Students complete the comprehensive planning necessary to take a major trip. The plan is then submitted to the Program Director for approval. When the plan gains approval the group begins training by undertaking a series of skill development activities and exercises. When skill proficiency has been demonstrated the group will be allowed to put their plan into action. Extensive adventure trips may include: backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, canoeing the Suwannee River in Florida or the Current River in Missouri, biking the C&O Canal Tow Path between Cumberland, MD and Washington, DC or kayaking and day sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. Adventure trips are a significant component of the overall program as they provide highly beneficial treatment and academic experiences.
At New Dominion students are provided with opportunities to participate in community, social, and cultural activities on a weekly basis and to plan special outings to museums, historical sites, and other areas of interest, such as zoos, aquariums, colleges, local industries, or state parks.
E-mail: ndemployment@allconet.org
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