SKILLS Private Academy

SKILLS Private Academy teaches students with autism and learning disabilities at two campuses in Sierra Vista. We use Arizona's grade-level standards with modified lessons and accommodations for individual students. Academics, life skills, community activities and preparation for adult life all form part of our school program.

Reading and writing instruction uses Shurley, Unique and Read Naturally curricula. Students use Chromebooks and iPads for written-language practice and supervised research. In mathematics, teachers use Unique, TouchMath and Saxon, along with hands-on materials. Lessons include using money in the community, making a budget and measuring ingredients for recipes. Students have also used measurement skills to build raised garden beds.

Science and social studies combine units from Unique with individualized lessons aligned to state standards. Community visits have included Coronado National Memorial, San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, Colossal Cave, Ramsey Canyon, Patterson Observatory and the Air and Space Museum. Classes work together on a project for our annual school science fair.

Our life and social skills curriculum includes identifying and regulating emotions, cooking, personal hygiene, toileting and other daily living tasks. Students explore careers through visits to local businesses and guests at school. Students age 14 and older participate in pre-employment transition services for job training skills. Our partnership with Cochise College gives high school students opportunities to earn trade certificates or credits toward college degrees.

Licensed speech, occupational and physical therapists provide services to students who qualify through their IEPs. We also allow outside ABA therapists from partner agencies to work one-to-one with their students during the school day. Therapeutic horseback riding is available through our partnership with Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources. Participating students may ride, groom or work toward approaching a horse.

Monthly field trips and activities include learning about wildlife, astronomy and geology with park rangers, shopping for school events, and practicing communication in local businesses. After-school clubs offer activities such as ukulele, choir, theater, sports and art.