Essex Upper

Essex Academy Upper School Overview

Essex Academy Upper School is a therapeutic educational program designed to support students with social and emotional disabilities. The program offers a structured academic and therapeutic environment tailored to students who face challenges making effective progress in a traditional school setting due to their social and emotional needs. It fosters personal and academic growth within a supportive atmosphere.

The academic curriculum follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core guidelines, with the McGraw-Hill curriculum as the foundation for differentiated instruction. The staff is dedicated to providing each student with a solid foundation in both academic and career skills. Students also have the opportunity to engage in vocational placements, including but not limited to wood shop, culinary arts, and auto shop. Additionally, experiential learning is integrated to provide community-based experiences, helping students generalize the skills and behaviors they learn in the classroom.

The program is staffed by special education teachers, subject area teachers, and licensed social workers. All Essex Academy Upper School teachers and clinical staff hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, with an experienced, licensed social worker dedicated to supporting the program on-site.

DESE – Essex Academy Upper Program Approval