We see the potential in every student. Our challenging curricula are fully aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Our instructional strategies – all based on research – allow students to develop the knowledge, skills, and tools, they need to achieve.
Literacy
We take literacy very seriously for students of ALL AGES, and we do not give up.
Students begin their journey through literacy from the moment they walk in our door. Classrooms are stocked with a rich array of age-appropriate reading materials from poetry to novels, from magazines to anthologies, from posters to word walls. Each student is given a Chromebook to use throughout the day.
Because many of our students come to us with learning disabilities, and may be performing well below grade level in academic areas, we begin with a comprehensive reading assessment to evaluate the five pillars of reading: phonological processing, phonics (decoding, word study), fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Did you know?
- Our Principal is a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C) and Dyslexia Specialist, and is trained as an Orton-Gillingham instructor
- Our LDT-C is a Reading Specialist who is trained in Wilson Reading Program® and is a trainer for Project Read
- Honor Ridge Academy has been training special education teachers in the Orton-Gillingham model through the Fairleigh Dickinson University program to better serve our students with Dyslexia and other reading difficulties
- Honor Ridge Academy has a literacy coach regularly visiting classrooms to work with teachers and students, and doing staff development weekly
- We have an Orton-Gillingham trained LDT-C who works one-on-one with students needing this specialized reading program
Our staff are trained in a wide range of evidence-based reading programs:
- Project Read®
- Wilson Reading®
- Orton Gillingham
- Steck-Vaughn Gateways®
- The Reading Gateway® Program, built on research that addresses what struggling readers and English Language learners (ELLs) need to succeed.
We offer Mind Play®, a comprehensive computer-based program that functions as a virtual reading coach. The program is available to students both at school and at home.
For all students – including those who do not have weaknesses in reading – we provide challenging, high-interest materials and novels supporting the Language Arts Literacy Standards which are directly connected to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
Elementary Academics
Our curriculum is tailored for each child and aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Language Arts and Math. Additional subjects are aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Students experience Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies in their self-contained classroom with co- teachers or a teacher and assistant. Students participate in Science, Music, and Art in classrooms with highly qualified co-teachers.
Reading and Language Arts are an important part of our program: we want to ensure that all students can read and write. Language Arts at Honor Ridge includes Reading, Writing, Grammar, Handwriting and Spelling. Teachers differentiate their lessons and utilize manipulatives, technology, and other tools, and strategies, such as scaffolding to ensure student learning.
High School Academics
Our English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies programs are four-year curricula designed to prepare each student for post-secondary education. We provide a hands-on lab period for each science class, and offer both advanced and remedial classes in all subject areas.
Honor Ridge Academy uses community-based and experiential learning to broaden understanding, encourage social skills, and foster independence. Our Marine Biology students engage in field experiences at Sandy Hook to further their understanding of marine life.
Our courses in Physical Education/Health, Art, Music, World Languages, and Graphic Arts, help ensure that each student has a well-rounded education.
Academic Courses Include:
- Basic Math, Consumer Math, Pre-Algebra & Algebra
- Geometry & Trigonometry
- Environmental Science & Lab
- Marine Biology & Lab
- Oceanography & Lab
- Integrated Science & Biology with Lab
- Language Arts
- English I – IV
- Creative Writing
- British and American Literature
- Social Studies and U.S. History
- World History and Cultures
- U.S. History
- American Government
- Physical Education and Health
- Spanish I
Elective Courses
- Career Exploration & Awareness
- College Orientation
- Intro to Career Tech Education
- Financial Literacy
- Art & Intro to Illustration
- Graphic Arts
- Music
- Instrumental Music
- Music Composition & Music Appreciation
- Life Skills
- Cooking
- Industrial Arts – Woodworking & Gardening
Transition Planning and Services
We get students ready for life through our Transition Readiness for Employment and College (TREC) program, offering a diverse and educationally well-rounded curriculum to prepare students for a range of post-secondary options.
The Transition Coordinator and LDT-C oversee career and college planning, the New Jersey Can program, and coordinate access to post-secondary supports offered through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). Our career exploration classes provide skills that can be used in the work world.
Learn more about about our TREC transition programTechnology for the 21st Century
At Honor Ridge Academy, we teach students to use technology for school and adult life, exposing them to the latest in educational technology. Students learn to use digital media to leverage their interests and goals; search and apply for jobs; research colleges; plan trips and complete homework.
- Every student has a Chromebook
- Classrooms are equipped with interactive White Boards
- Web-based teacher pages provide expanded learning opportunities
- Students learn internet and social media safety
