Shine Academy High School

The Shine Academy high school is an inclusionary program that aims to prepare students with moderate to severe disabilities to be productive citizens in their local communities. This program serves students in grades 9 through 12 with diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, moderate to severe cognitive delays, sensory processing and communication challenges, neuromotor deficits and/or medical challenges.

Transition programming is the cornerstone of the curriculum at this site. Students participate in community-based vocational, recreational, and independent living activities each day. Students also receive classroom-based instruction that addresses the goals in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP) and reinforces the learning that takes place in community-based settings. Educators incorporate research-based best practices with supports provided by embedded professional development, technical assistance, and a network of expert consultants.

In addition, the classrooms are an integral part of their host high school and students participate in many school-sponsored activities. The Shine program has two classrooms and students are supported with a 1:3 staff to student ratio. The program hours are 7:45-2:15 pm with a 220 day schedule. Students in 10th grade participate in the MCAS Alternate Assessment, while Rhode Island students participate in the Multi State Alternate Assessment (MSSA) and Rhode Island Alternate Assessment (RIAA) for Science.