The Academy provides structured classroom instruction 5 1/2 hours daily, Monday-Friday, ranging from 5th through 12th grade academic levels. Classes are small (1:3 teaching staff/student ratio) and individualized instruction is provided by our certified Special Education Teachers and Aides.  Our teaching staff receives regular professional development training that specifically targets our dually diagnosed student population.  Traditional areas of Reading, Spelling, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies are taught, as well as life skills such as money management, safety and survival sign identification and job search skills.  Computer enhanced learning is part of the curriculum and educational field trips occur regularly.      

Our educational curriculum is aligned with national standards and is enhanced by special classes conducted by the school nurse (weekly Health Class) and speech pathologist (weekly Language-based Class).  Individual and group speech therapy is available based on student need.  Each classroom is equipped with high-speed Internet access and cable television, utilizing educational web sites and programming.  Physical Education classes are also incorporated into the school week.

Vocational readiness skills are addressed within the school curriculum.  Pre-vocational training in the school setting focuses on development of skills and aptitudes in a variety of areas.  All students participate in one of six different vocational readiness programs.  Selected students are offered the unique opportunity to attend an off-campus vocational training program contracted with a local vocational technical high school.  Hands-on trade skills in the areas of carpentry and culinary arts are introduced with future competitive employment as the goal.      

School is held for 225 days per year with the following holidays off: New Year s Day; Marin Luther King Day: Washington s Birthday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran s Day; Thanksgiving and the Following Day and; Christmas Day. Students also have the following weeks off: week in mid-April (Spring Break); one week in July and one week in August (Summer Breaks); Week of Christmas Day through New Year s Day (Christmas Break). Residential facilities are in full operation during all school vacations.