At Westside, we are deeply committed to the success of each child. Recognizing that every student has unique learning needs, our inclusive education model is designed to provide the necessary foundation for all students, particularly those with diagnosed disabilities. Our approach is to embrace diversity and to tailor our support to fit the individual requirements of our students.
Expanding Services for Diverse Needs
As Westside has grown, so too has the breadth of our support services. We proudly support a diverse group of about 20 students, representing 8% of our student body, with a variety of conditions including autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and other learning challenges. We have developed robust Student Support Teams (SST) and Response to Intervention (RTI) processes that align with our commitment to continuous improvement and targeted support.
Collaboration with Atlanta Public Schools
Our partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS) ensures that we have access to essential resources such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists. This collaborative effort enables us to offer a comprehensive support system that addresses the wide-ranging needs of our students.
Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
In line with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), our goal is to educate students within the least restrictive environment (LRE) conducive to their growth. To this end, we create and follow Individual Education Plans (IEP) for eligible students. These plans are dynamic, evolving with the child’s progress, and incorporate input from a team that includes educators, specialists, and parents.
Adaptable Levels of Support
The level of support each child receives is as unique as their needs. Some students benefit from minor adjustments and consultative services in the general classroom, while others may require more dedicated instruction in a specialized setting. Our commitment to LRE means that placement and support levels are always aligned with the child’s goals and the collaborative recommendations of their IEP team.
Leveraging Our Community Size
One of the unique strengths of Westside is our smaller community size, which allows us to build a differentially effective program. This intimate setting enables us to deliver personalized attention and to adapt quickly to the needs of our students.
Continual Curriculum Adaptation
Understanding that learning support is an ongoing process, we are continually adapting our curriculum and interventions to better serve our students. By staying responsive to the ever-evolving educational landscape and the specific needs of our students, we ensure that our support mechanisms are as effective and impactful as possible.
At Westside, we believe that every student has the right to an education that is enriching, inclusive, and empowering. Our Learning Support & Intervention services reflect our unwavering dedication to this belief and to the academic and personal success of our students.