We embrace students of all abilities and backgrounds, and have systems in place to make sure they are getting the attention and specialized education they need.
Special Education
Students entering Academy 360 with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) from the Special Education department of their previous school or program will be provided services as defined in the IEP until their next annual or tri-annual review. Academy 360 will comply with all Federal, State and District regulations for the administration of IEPs.
Students determined to need Special Education evaluation through the MTSS process will be provided a variety of assessments over six to eight weeks. At the end, a meeting will be held with parents or guardians, teachers and special education personnel to decide on and potentially craft an IEP for the student.
For more information, please contact Ginny Adams, Special Education Manager, at ginny@academy-360.org.
Serving Students with Autism in the Classroom
Studies indicate inclusive settings provide typically developing children with multiple opportunities to learn many new skills, values, and attitudes related to human differences, including learning how to be friends with people who are different from themselves. Research also suggests that inclusive classrooms score higher on measures of quality.
With inclusion, everyone benefits! Adult to child ratio is 1:5 with highly trained, certified teachers and at least 2 paraprofessionals in every classroom.
Our Model 1 Program for students in ECE 3-4 is offered 5 days a week, 3.5 hours a day, with a morning session and an afternoon session. The Model 1 Program is a mixed-age, inclusion classroom.
Academy 360 is home to two Multi-Intensive Autism Center-Based Classrooms, serving students with moderate to severe autism in Kindergarten through second grade (primary) and third through fifth grade (intermediate) with a 2:1 adult to student ratio.
Gifted & Talented
Starting Fall 2025: Instead of screening all students in Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 6th grade, all students in 1st grade and 5th grades will be assessed. How can families and staff nominate children to be tested if they are not in 1st or 5th Grade? Read more information on our Family Site or use the links below:
- Families of incoming K, 2nd, and 6th grade students have the option to opt-in this year to screening since many were anticipating their child would be assessed this fall: Opt In Form + translations
- Families of incoming students in ECE, 3rd, 4th, 7th-12: Nomination Form + Spanish translation, Nomination forms (available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese). Make sure to download the file or make a copy to complete in Google Docs.
At Academy 360, we are dedicated to supporting the unique strengths of our Gifted and Talented (GT), Highly Gifted and Talented (HGT), Magnet Eligible (ME), Twice-Exceptional (2E), and Talent Pool (TP) students. Our programming emphasizes equity, rigor, and enrichment so advanced learners are challenged and supported in meaningful ways.
All identified students have Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) that include both academic and social-emotional goals. Families are partners in developing these goals, which are monitored throughout the year for progress and relevance. Talent Pool students benefit from monthly support and enrichment provided by the GT teacher in collaboration with classroom teachers, with progress toward possible identification reviewed three times a year.
Equity is a priority. We use universal screening in 1st and 5th grades, as well as multiple measures of student performance, to ensure that gifted services are accessible to all learners, including historically underrepresented groups. Teachers engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen differentiation and culturally responsive practices.
Families receive quarterly updates, newsletters, and invitations to events that build strong school-home partnerships to support gifted learners’ academic growth, creativity, and leadership.
For more information, please contact Kristen Freeman, GT Coordinator, at kristen@academy-360.org.