Established in 1964 the Gifford School initially opened in Cambridge. Gifford School now stands proudly on a twenty-seven acre campus in Weston Massachusetts. It’s a coeducational therapeutic day school. Gifford School serves students with complex academic social-emotional and behavioral needs. The school’s mission is to create a nurturing community. This empowers students to achieve individual goals.
Gifford School provides individualized educational services within a therapeutic environment. They offer small structured classes based on Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The school also offers individualized clinical services. These services include coping and regulation strategies social skills sensory strategies problem-solving skills and executive functioning support. Gifford School has a pre-vocational program. This program offers hands-on learning in technology culinary skills carpentry and visual arts. The school also offers transition planning for high school students. This includes postsecondary planning community volunteer opportunities and life skills instruction. The Gifford School has a twenty-day Extended School Year program.
Gifford School partners with public school districts. They educate students with complex social emotional and learning challenges. The school serves students from fourth grade through high school. Referrals come from public school districts throughout Massachusetts. They serve students from over fifty communities. Gifford School boasts small structured classes. These incorporate multi-sensory and hands-on instruction based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. They offer grade-level content with one-to-one support. Gifford School uses Google Classroom and Chromebook technology. This enhances students’ functional capabilities. It also provides an integrated classroom learning experience. The school is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools.
Gifford School is a non-profit organization. It’s committed to providing an environment that encourages individuality diversity and personal growth. The school serves over one hundred students. These students range from eight-year-olds to high school seniors. They come from over sixty cities and towns. Gifford School strives to help students reach their full potential academically and socially. The school is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The student-to-teacher ratio is four to one. This is significantly lower than the national average. Gifford School offers a summer program to prevent regression in social emotional and academic learning. The school has a maximum enrollment of one hundred and five students. Less than twenty-five percent of students take the MCAS ALT.
Gifford School is more than just a school. It’s a place where students thrive. It’s a place where they overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. It’s a testament to the power of individualized education and therapeutic support. It’s a place built on a foundation of care commitment and community. It’s a legacy of support and success. It’s a school that transforms lives. It’s Gifford School.