Berkley Middle School

The Berkley Middle School Program offers a structured learning environment for students in grades 6 through 8 within the inclusionary setting of a public middle school. This program serves students with moderate to severe disabilities that interfere with their success in a general education classroom. The students’ needs frequently arise from diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, neuromotor deficits, communication impairments, medical needs, and/or social-emotional challenges. Each small, highly structured classroom has a 220-day school year and students can participate in inclusion opportunities throughout Berkley Middle School.

This program offers a comprehensive, functional academic curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, as well as a pre-vocational skills component and all related therapeutic services.  An introduction to work habits and skills is emphasized to develop each student’s level of independence, which is helpful for a successful transition to a high school setting. The curriculum also emphasizes activities based on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), which engages students in real world issues and guides students in developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Our mission is to provide a middle school experience that focuses on the functional academic and transition skills necessary for success in today’s society.  Educators incorporate research-based best practices such as Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Supports (SCERTS) through continuous and embedded professional learning.  Related service providers and expert consultants work with educators in the classroom to ensure continuity of therapeutic support.