School Programs
School Programs At A Glance
The Faison School and Peninsula School at The Faison Center provide educational services to individuals up to the age of 22 with autism and related challenges. It uses a unique three-pronged approach of evidence-based treatment, research, and community education to give students the tools needed to improve their life’s journey.
Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools
As with all educational services provided by The Faison Center, the Lower School, Middle School and Upper School Programs are accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF) and are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education.
Lower School
The Lower School Program provides educational services to students up to 11 years old. As students progress through the Lower School curriculum, they may either continue on to the Middle School or move to a less restrictive teaching environment, such as The Faison Center’s Independent Learner Communities.
Middle School
The Middle School Program serves students ages 11 to 14 years old. Emphasis is placed on expanding functional communication, increasing independence with self-help and daily living skills, safety skills, building on skills to improve social interactions, academics and age-appropriate recreational activities. Once a student has completed this program, they will move up to the Upper School.
Upper School
For students ages 14 to 22 years old, the Upper School Program teaches applied academics with a focus on fostering independence. Upon completion of the Upper School program, students often enter The Faison Center’s Life Skills or Employment Academy, where they continue their education while exploring vocational opportunities and learning essential life skills. In partnership with other community organizations, Upper School students have the opportunity to engage in social interactions with typically developing peers.
Independent Learner Communities
The Independent Learner Communities are the school’s most academically rigorous day school programs, ideal for students with autism and other developmental disabilities who are performing at or near grade level, but need special educational assistance. The Independent Learner Communities offer instruction utilizing applied behavior analysis (ABA)in one-on-one, group, peer tutoring, personalized instruction, and community-based settings. In partnership with other community organizations, students have the opportunity to engage in social interactions with typically developing peers.
Life Skills Program
In the Life Skills Program, students 16 through 22 years old work towards maximizing independence and readiness for life as an adult. Students of the program explore vocational interests, prepare for employment opportunities, work on enhancing their academic literacy and social/communication skills, and learn other essential daily living and recreation skills. Educational activities are both center and community-based and focus on essential life skills and functional academics.
Employment Academy
Designed for students 15 – 22 years old, the Employment Academy consists of full day, community-based instructional services. The services focus on vocational, social, communication, and other critical daily living skills in the context of an internship opportunity with one of our community partners. Each internship opportunity allows students to learn a variety of skills, some being specific to the vocational setting, while others are applicable to a number of community and social situations. Each experience is crafted to first assess and then teach vital vocational and other life skills to students.
Community Partners
We are always looking for partners in the community. If you are interested please fill out the Community Partner Application.
School Admissions
For further information about admissions to the Faison School or the Peninsula School at The Faison Center, call our admissions staff at (804) 612-1949, email them at admissions@faisoncenter.org, or visit our admissions page to learn more about our admissions process.