Preparing for the future is an exciting journey, and at Journey Academy, we’re here to support every step of the way. Whether you’re aiming for college, diving into a career, or exploring other paths, our goal is to help you transition smoothly and confidently.
Returning to a less restrictive learning environment:
We work with the district, the student and the family to create a scaffolded transition plan in order to map out what a supportive and achievable step down to less restriction looks like for each individual. We identify the goals each student will need to meet academically, behaviorally, socially and emotionally to move towards this goal and work consistently and collaboratively as a team to get them there.
Earning a diploma:
We work with the district to determine a graduation plan for students who will receive their diploma while in placement. We support district required credit and course needs and all courses taken at Journey will count towards a student’s graduation requirements whether they stay with us or transition to another placement before graduation. Online courses in a supportive study hall can be used to supplement credit needs not currently offered in our program.
Our Collaborative Approach:
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. By working closely with students, families, and district teams, we ensure that each transition plan is tailored to meet individual needs. This team effort empowers students to achieve their goals and build a fulfilling future.
Developing workability skills and career pathways:
Through career exploration coursework as well as opportunities for students to volunteer, intern or receive work permits, we help our youth to explore achievable next steps after high school. We support workability skill development in the following ways:
Students take part in an immersive, hands-on Culinary Arts course in which they:
- Follow food from our on-site gardens, through our commercial grade kitchen and on to the plate for their own enjoyment.
- Earn their ServSafe certificate and learn skills applicable to the Culinary, Hospitality and Agricultural industries.
- Tour a variety of industries in which their skills would apply through ongoing field trips.
- Explore agriculture in Sonoma County.
- Connect to the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts program if interested in continuing their education.
Interested students will have the opportunity to connect to and take part in trade skills immersion and internship opportunities that may include:
- Strengths-based career matching and exploration activities and Interactive Interview a Professional rotating guest speaker series built into Independent Living Skills elective courses.
- Rotating community partnerships supporting instruction in auto mechanics, beauty/cosmetology and enrollment in the LIME Foundation Next Gen Academy.
- Regular partnership with The Magnolia Project, which embeds immersive career exploration and apprenticeship pathways into the Journey Academy school day and year.
- Apex online career exploration courses
- These opportunities can count towards elective credits.
- 1:1 appointments with Journey Academy Transition Specialist to support development of ongoing individual trades school and/or career pathway plans.
Through class coursework, on-site presentations and integrated workshops, students explore the options available to them to continue their education post-graduation. There are opportunities for some students to develop their independence through supportive concurrent enrollment at our local Santa Rosa Junior College while in placement at Journey Academy.
- Embedded college awareness curriculum in Independent Living Skills elective.
- Ongoing collaboration with Disability Resources at Santa Rosa Junior College to support interested students in concurrent enrollment.
- Collaboration with district college counselors to support college pathway plans.
- 1:1 appointments with Journey Academy Transition Specialist to support individual college pathway plans.
Through individual, group and family counseling as well as IEP case management, class coursework, 1:1 transition assistance and Residential Programming, we support each student in exploring resources available to them post-graduation and developing skills needed to live and thrive in the community independently.
- Independent Living Skills elective for all students with embedded curriculum to develop executive functioning, organizational, financial and independent living skills.
- Journey Academy Transition Specialist works 1:1 to support students in obtaining drivers license, work permits and other documentation.
- Immersive exploration of community resources including housing, public transportation, health care, mental health care and more.
- Clinical support in individual and family therapy to identify and develop individual post-graduation Independent Living Plan.