Education
Patients attend Truckee Meadows School, an on-site, state-licensed private school providing elementary through high school education. Teachers are employees of Willow Springs Center and serve as educational advisors to the treatment team and the patient. All teachers meet or exceed State of Nevada certification requirements in the subjects they teach.
Shortly after admission, an education assessment is completed, including an intake interview with the patient, a review of the medical chart and the administration of the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement. When possible, the patient's home school is contacted. A school plan and educational program are developed.
Programs are individualized and small group instruction is provided. Class size ranges from 9 to 15 students. Recommendations for special education services are made as needed.
Truckee Meadows School offers unique educational programs:
- Elementary
One-room classroom, offering all academics, kindergarten through third grade - Pre-adolescence
One-room classroom, offering all academics, fourth through seventh grades plus those students identified as needing a highly structured program - High
School Transition
Movement between classes and a variety of courses for eighth grade and above - Alternative
Education
A variety of courses more self-paced
Truckee Meadows School operates on a nine-week grading period, year-round with several short breaks. Grades and enrollment dates are noted on transcripts sent to the home school at the time of the patient's discharge from Willow Springs Center. Parents receive a copy of the transcript.
If it appears a student may need special education services at discharge, the principal will discuss with the parents how to seek services in the receiving school district. With parental consent, assessments and evaluations completed at Willow Springs Center are forwarded to the appropriate home school staff for review. All efforts are made to ensure a smooth transition from residential treatment to the home school.
