Kids don’t have a lack of will, they have a lack of skill. Just like reading and math skills, social/emotional skills can be taught. This fall, Capital Region ESD 113 will open Olympic Academy, a supportive environment that will help students learn the skills they need to achieve academic success, build healthy peer relationships, and ultimately transition back to their neighborhood school.

“I’m excited about this great opportunity to offer an innovative and specialized service to the students, schools, and families in our service area,” says Chuck Fleming, incoming Director of Olympic Academy. Fleming will join the ESD 113 team this summer after working at Mark Morris High School in Longview, Washington.

Olympic Academy will serve an exclusive student population. Students may fit our therapeutic learning environment if they have a current evaluation and Individualized Education Program (IEP), have been referred by the district special education director, or have had difficulty in social/emotional areas at their neighborhood school. Our staff will use a three-tiered system to address student needs in a respectful, responsible, and safe environment. When students meet behavioral expectations, they earn access to rewards and privileges. We will partner with students’ families to ensure consistency between school and home.

To learn more, contact Abby Bowers (abowers@esd113.org), Director of Student Support Systems at Capital Region ESD 113.