What is more frustrating to a parent than a child who cannot or will not control his or her behavior in school? Children who pose behavior problems rob themselves and others of their educations, their best hope of one day getting a good job and having a secure future. The staff at Leeway School is trained to assess problem areas and develop solutions for children with hyperactivity, anger issues, depression, defiance, and other obstacles to a student's success.
Parents and local school districts may decide during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting that a student may perform better in a new environment designed for his or her specific needs. A student may benefit from a smaller campus of around 100 students, in a classroom with only 12 students and 3 adult staff, where people get to know each other. Leeway provides a nurturing atmosphere where staff really cares about the students, while at the same time setting and maintaining limits. Each student is helped and guided in the development of internal self-control and taking personal responsibility for behavior.
Parents and local school districts may decide during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting that a student may perform better in a new environment designed for his or her specific needs. A student may benefit from a smaller campus of around 100 students, in a classroom with only 12 students and 3 adult staff, where people get to know each other. Leeway provides a nurturing atmosphere where staff really cares about the students, while at the same time setting and maintaining limits. Each student is helped and guided in the development of internal self-control and taking personal responsibility for behavior.
School Philosophy
The Leeway School for Educational Therapy program is based on the Re-Ed model which was founded by Dr. Nicholas Hobbs in the early 1960’s. The program stresses the development of internal controls and personal responsibility for one’s behavior. Normalcy is expected; competency is stressed. Teachers strive to become trusted people whose guidance, limit setting and criticism are eventually seen as nurturing, helpful and supportive. They work to build the self-esteem and improve the self-image of students. Teachers provide direction, orchestrating activities and discussions which encourage exploration and experimentation.
Staffing & Funding
Leeway School services approximately 100 students primarily living in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley regions. Each classroom has approximately 12 students. A credentialed head teacher and two full-time teacher assistants are assigned to each group. In addition, students receive further support, guidance and training from counseling staff, a speech therapist, and a physical education instructor.
To apply for enrollment, parents or guardians need to contact their local school psychologist and request placement. Testing and an individual education program (IEP) meeting will be arranged. If the IEP committee decides that the student would best be placed in a special education program such as Leeway, a subsequent meeting will occur with the parents/guardians, child and Leeway School’s principal at Leeway School. Funding is provided by the school district at no cost to the parents.
Leeway School For Educational Therapy
• Life is to be lived now, not in the past, and lived in the future only as a present challenge.
• Trust between adult and child is essential.
• Competence makes a difference.
• Time is an ally, working on the side of growth.
• Self-control can be taught and children and adolescents helped to manage their behavior.
• Intelligence can be taught.
• Feelings should be nurtured.
• The group is important to young people.
• Ceremony and ritual give order.
• The body is the armature of self.
• Communities are important to children and youth.
• In growing up, a child should know some joy each day and look forward to some joyous event for the morrow.
Leeway School was founded in 1978 by Lee Sion Ph.D., a psychologist with expertise in special education. Set in the revitalized Main Street District of Alhambra, the school serves the Los Angeles Unified School District and several other school districts in the nearby San Gabriel Valley. Leeway School resides in a beautiful, safe neighborhood with access to nearby parks. Leeway itself has a gymnasium and a grassy playing field. Our program provides weekly individual counseling to all students. Speech therapy is available when needed. Transportation is provided by the school.
Leeway School is located in Alhambra, California at the intersection of Almansor and Main Streets in the building complex of the Alhambra First United Methodist Church.
9 North Almansor St.
Alhambra, CA
Phone: (626) 308-4521
Fax: (626) 284-8176
Email: rsmith@leewayschool.com
