Special Education Programs

The ATLAS Program (Adaptive Teaching and Learning Alongside Supports) at Norwich Free Academy is a Special Education Program designed to empower students with emotional challenges through a comprehensive support system. The program’s mission is to cultivate each student's social, emotional, and academic growth. 

Situated within the nurturing and inclusive environment of NFA’s Sachem Campus, our vision for the ATLAS program is to be recognized as a beacon of empowerment and inclusion where every student is nurtured, supported, and equipped for success. We envision a community where each student's unique strengths are celebrated, and personalized strategies and collaborative efforts converge to foster holistic growth. Our commitment to individualized care extends beyond the classroom, preparing students not only for academic achievement but also for meaningful engagement in their communities and beyond. Through innovation, compassion, and unwavering dedication, we aspire to empower our students to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and realize their full potential as confident, capable individuals ready to thrive in the world beyond high school.

Please take a moment to read our FAQ for more information. If you would like additional information, a campus tour, or to speak more about the program’s unique opportunities, please contact Clarence Cooper, Associate Principal, Alternative Programs, at cooperc@nfaschool.org or 860-425-5763. You may also contact Jessica Vocatura, Director of Student Support Services at vocaturaj@nfaschool.org or 860-425-5600. 

***Please note that all student placements are done in collaboration with the Local Education Agency (LEA) where that student resides. 

The Functional Life Skills Program at Norwich Free Academy services students identified with intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and multiple disabilities through a robust functional academic program. The program emphasizes the mastery of basic, functional, academic competencies, the development of foundational daily living and independent skills, and vocational skills through a focus on personal, social, and transition experiences. As a foundational fabric of the program, students are strategically taught skills and strategies guided towards independence, self-confidence, and the ability to demonstrate socially acceptable behaviors aligned with Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Daily classroom instruction centers on highly functional, engagement-based, hands-on activities with broad opportunities to engage in mainstream experiences, including the arts, physical education, technical education, and other general education classes of high interest as appropriate.  In addition, our students are encouraged and promoted to take advantage of a variety of “unified” courses within the general education setting that provide the opportunity to partner and work collaboratively through inclusive practices. To maximize access and engagement with the curriculum, adult support is provided for students to enhance peer-to-peer interactions, support school engagement, and increase student engagement in learning.

The Resource Program at Norwich Free Academy provides special education services to students in the Least Restrictive Environment, based on student needs outlined in individual students’ IEPs. Teachers in the Resource program provide case management, support academic and transition instruction in the resource setting, and/or co-teach in various core content areas with general education teachers, providing specially designed instruction. The Resource program supports students enrolled in general education classes while assisting them to develop a transition portfolio to meet their future career and post-secondary goals.

The Thrive Program provides services to students identified with varying needs ranging from social/emotional/behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorders, specific learning disabilities, and other exceptionalities through a comprehensive focus on understanding individual needs and providing appropriate modifications and accommodations to support academic learning, achievement, and pro-social-emotional and behavioral growth. The intensive skills-based program provides students with access to special education core content classes strategically designed to teach concepts and strategies necessary to develop independence, resilience, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and coping strategies necessary to access less restrictive environments.  

In addition to the core content classes, all students in the Thrive Program have access to Career Education classes and on and off-campus vocational opportunities. These classes develop the necessary transition competencies for students to be successful post-high school and independent members of their community. An incentivized support system is embedded within the entirety of the program to support the various needs of students while monitoring progress toward moving to a less restrictive setting when appropriate.