For most of us, it’s hard to imagine what it really means to be a child living in poverty. Children who live in poverty are often exposed to multiple adverse childhood experiences. If left unaddressed, these childhood traumas significantly affect a child’s ability to learn. “Traumatic life events like chronic illness or violence in the home, long-term unemployment for one or more parents, food insecurity and the threat of eviction because of rent burden create toxic stress in children.” Dr. Alice Forrester, CEO, Clifford Beers Clinic
The New Haven Trauma Coalition reports that nearly 50% of 5th graders in the New Haven public schools suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Students who are exposed to two or more traumas are twice as likely to
- repeat a grade
- experience behavioral problems
- become disengaged with schoolwork
- suffer from chronic health problems like asthma, ADHD and obesity.
Our holistic teaching model is steeped in the understanding that our students need to be heard, and they need to be encouraged, supported, valued and loved in order to learn. We have developed a trauma-informed teaching structure that incorporates the newest and best practices to meet the social-emotional and academic needs of our students.
Our approach to education is not just unique, it works! We celebrate a:
- 97% Attendance Rate
- 98% Retention Rate
- 100% High School Graduation Rate
- 97% College Acceptance Rate
Social/Emotional Learning
We’ve created a rigorous, holistic and trauma-informed teaching model, focused on both academic and social-emotional development.