Glenforest
School
Our Difference
Glenforest provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about themselves, build relationships and discover the world around them while building skills that will enable them to be successful adults. Students who attend Glenforest have typically struggled or failed in other school environments due to learning differences or attention problems. Research has shown that students who feel good about themselves are more successful in school. At Glenforest, we understand the importance of a positive, nurturing environment in the success of our students. Building relationships at school with teachers and students is the first step to rebuilding self-confidence in a student who has struggled in other school environments. With self-confidence and a safe environment, students are willing to take the risk to ask questions in class, express opinions and challenge their classmates in class discussions.
Glenforest is more than just a positive classroom environment. Students learn from all of their experiences, so time outside the classroom is important to the education of the whole child. From clubs, sports and special events, students have an opportunity to discover a range of activities they enjoy as well as those for which they have talent. Students are encouraged to go beyond academics to practice social skills, time management and setting priorities—skills that are important to success in the workplace. Students are encouraged to use their time and talents for community service projects both in school and out. Students need to be aware of the needs in their community as well as what they can do to contribute.
Glenforest’s educational philosophy is based on a multiple-intelligences model, rather than the deficit model of most special education programs. We believe that through finding and developing students’ strengths, we improve self-esteem and motivation. This component is the key to effectiveness of instruction in areas of weakness. While Glenforest students may learn differently, they often excel at creativity, problem solving or strong interpersonal skills—areas of multiple intelligences not typically valued in traditional school programs.
