| | ALL ABOUT US |
| Who attends St. Joseph Center for Special Learning? St. Joseph Center for Special Learning is the only alternative to public education for children with special needs in Schuylkill and northern Berks County teaching students ranging in age from 4 through 21 in an advantageous classroom setting where there is an average student/teacher ratio of 8:1. Special needs includes those children and young adults with mental retardation and/ or developmental disabilities. Encompassing twelve different school districts throughout Schuylkill and northern Berks County, SJC welcomes all students regardless of race, creed, or ethnic origin.
Tell me about the tuition. Tuition for the 2006-2007 school year is $2,600.00 annually. Tuition assistance is also sometimes available so ability to pay should not be a detriment to attending SJC. What have our graduates accomplished? Over the years, many students have been successful beyond graduation. In fact, two graduates have furthered their education by attending the local vocational school for masonry and carpentry. When our students are successful taking the smaller steps, they are encouraged to challenge themselves with the bigger ones, thus boosting their self-esteem. These graduates are representative of what SJC is all about. Giving students with special needs the chance to do their very best and achieve all they can. Is the St. Joseph Center affiliated with other agencies? Yes, it is under the guidance of the Department of Education of the Diocese of Allentown. Additionally, St. Joseph Center is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Must students be Catholic to attend St. Joseph Center? No, all children with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities are welcome regardless of race, creed, or ethnic origin. Are there any parent organizations? Yes. There is a Home/School Guild and a very active Development Advisory Board whose members raise funds and promote community awareness of the school. How can a parent enroll their child at the St. Joseph Center for Special Learning? Simply call the St. Joseph Center at (570) 622-4638 or e-mail us at altssjc@ptd.net. For further information or a tour of our facility please feel free to call us at the above number. |
What is the curriculum? SJC is a unique learning center where students are guided toward developing their full potential in academics combined with the skills necessary for adult independence. This is accomplished in a safe, loving environment emphasizing individuality and family values. The basic curriculum includes an educational, developmental, and spiritual program. To enhance the basic program, the following services are also provided: speech and language therapy, psychological evaluations, vocational /technical services, as well as a school nurse. Practical skills such as computer literacy, cooking, music, hand/eye coordinated tasks, and other necessary daily living skills are taught in order to meet the challenges in today's world.