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Curriculum Overview

At Valley Collaborative Transitional High School, our
curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks and Common Core Standards, with a strong
emphasis on engagement, accessibility, and individualized
learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, integrated
technology, and differentiated, multimodal instruction
tailored to their unique needs.

Our instructional approach incorporates applied behavior
analysis, direct instruction, embedded therapeutic
strategies, and hands-on learning experiences. Within self-contained classrooms, students receive targeted instruction
in literacy, mathematics, writing, and content areas such as
science and history, with a focus on applying skills in
meaningful, functional ways.

To support a wide range of abilities, we utilize evidence-based
programs and tools, including i-Ready, the Circles
Curriculum, and the Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia
(ACE), providing individualized, structured instruction for
each student.

Each self-contained classroom fosters a supportive and
predictable environment through consistent routines,
positive reinforcement, visual supports, and data-driven
decision-making. Individualized behavior supports are
implemented as needed to promote success. At Valley, we
prioritize meaningful reinforcement and a therapeutic
learning environment, ensuring that all students have
access to the curriculum and are supported in making
steady, meaningful progress.

Our Programming Includes:

Music and Art Therapy
Music and art are used as the means to approach and
achieve goals outside of the arts, which include, but are
not limited to: improved social and group skills,
improved communication skills, and the practice and
generalization of goals from other disciplines.

Health & Wellness
Our students work on becoming active learners and
healthy individuals through a variety of sports and
wellness activities. It is also one of our goals to
influence our students' health and well-being beyond the
physical education and classroom setting.

Outdoor Education
This program inspires all students to explore, connect,
and grow through hands-on experiences in nature. We
foster confidence, teamwork, and stewardship, through
hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, canoeing and skiing.
Activities are adapted to meet all learner’s needs and
ability levels. These adventures promote physical
health, resilience, curiosity and a lifelong appreciation
for the outdoors.

Multimedia Classes
Students practice skills such as taking photos, creating
short videos, recording sound, designing graphics, and
telling stories through pictures and media. This class
helps students develop real-life skills in technology,
teamwork, problem-solving, and self-expression, while
preparing them for future learning, community
participation, or entry-level career pathways in digital
media.