BOCES Northtowns Academy

At Northtowns Academy, we provide a highly structured program for students with developmental disabilities in kindergarten through grade 8. Our 6:1+1 classes pair tailored academic instruction with support for social-emotional needs. Students build social skills and practice behavioral strategies in a self-contained setting designed to reduce transitions. Restorative practices, student-focused behavior management, and an on-site social worker support each student's access to learning. Related services are available to strengthen the skills students need to take part in instruction; these include speech-language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, hearing services, itinerant vision services, counseling, and audiology. We set goals for increased socialization and attendance, fewer disciplinary referrals, and progress toward a less restrictive setting when appropriate. Our team works with each student around these goals in the academy's Tonawanda school community, at 333 Dexter Terrace. We want students to develop the academic and interpersonal skills that help them participate more fully in school and prepare for their next learning environment.