teaching outside OF THE BOX

CROSSROADS HIGH SCHOOLWHERE LEARNING DIFFERENCES ARE AN OPPORTUNITY

Crossroads High School

provides students with

learning differences the

opportunity to grow

academically, flourish

personally, develop

confidence and safely reach

for the sky, fail, try again and

then succeed.

Our dedicated faculty, using innovative teaching methods, provides an environment in which each student can achieve

his or her greatest potential.

THE CROSSROADS MISSIONOur mission is to prepare students with learning differences (K-12th grades) to integrate into a conventional school or college by facilitating maximum academic and social potential in an emotionally safe and supportive environment.

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”.Milton Berle

THE CROSSROADS HIGH SCHOOLphilosophy & goalsOur philosophy is based on the premises that:

• We view learning differences as an opportunity, not an obstacle.

• Each student is unique and learns in different ways.

• Creative and flexible teaching strategies, the development of compensatory skills, and teaching geared to successful task completion are essential to academic success.

• “Thinking outside of the Box” encourages students to reach their highest level of achievement within the framework of their capabilities and talents.

• A positive self-esteem and confidence are necessary to achieve academic and social success.

• Each student learns to advocate for themselves which teaches them to become “their own best expert”.

Our goals for high school are to:

• Promote the development of creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning and logic.

• Provide an individualized curriculum that is specifically tailored to each student’s learning needs.

THE CROSSROADSHIGH SCHOOLstudentThe Crossroads High School student is a typical

teenager who has one or more learning difference

and is having difficulty learning in a traditional

school setting. Crossroads students come from

a wide range of backgrounds, skill levels and

previous school experiences and have diagnoses

such as: attention deficit disorder, dyslexia,

dysgraphia, dyscalculia, communications disorder

or auditory/visual processing disorder.

Students may also struggle with the repercussions

of early or non-specific cognitive dysfunction

stemming from such issues as premature birth, early

medical conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder

(mild) or adoption issues. Often out students are

identified as twice-exceptional. These students are

both gifted and having learning differences.

“All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual”.

- Albert Einstein

OUR ACADEMICprogramOur innovative teaching methods, along with our dedicated faculty, help each student incorporate executive functioning training, social skills, and self-advocacy. The strong relationships that develop promote a learning environment where students feel safe and valued.

Crossroads School’s academic program initially looks like any other with English, math, social studies, science and electives. However, when you look inside the classroom you see a remarkable difference in the teaching of content, process and product.

Learning happens in small groups of 10 or less students to one teacher. The teacher is central to the learning environment as she or he moves from student to student working directly with each individual to encourage, guide, remediate, stimulate or redirect. These interactions also target the acquisition and practice of social and interpersonal skills. The students then gain confidence in taking positive risks in tackling new and challenging work.

The high school curriculum provides research-based remedial, basic, and college preparatory courses. The delivery and instructional approach of material is individualized to the progress and needs of each student. Communication between teacher and parents and contact with professionals involved in the student’s life are an important part of the Crossroads program.

Imbedded in the delivery of instruction, is a deep understanding and acceptance that individuals who have a learning difference and/or are gifted, learn differently based on their strengths and challenges. As a result, the curriculum is carefully designed to focus on “learning to learn” strategies and all necessary accommodations and modifications. Also incorporated are literacy development, activity and project based instruction, differentiated outcomes, alternative assessments and multiple opportunities for students to develop self-awareness of their individual learning differences.

GRADUATION PLANS Crossroads High School students will be given a choice of two graduation plans:• The Foundation High School Diploma: Students are required to complete 22 credits in math, English, social studies,

science, fine arts, languages other than English, physical education, as well as electives.• The Distinguished Level of Achievement Diploma: Students must complete all requirements for the Foundation diploma

plus one endorsement that equals 4 credits for a total of 26 credits. The endorsement includes an additional credit in math and science and two additional electives.

• Endorsements are additional courses that students are required to take to complete the Distinguished Level of Achievement Diploma. Students will be able to choose from endorsement areas such as STEM, Multi-Disciplinary Studies, and Arts and Humanities. Choices also include advanced placement courses and advanced math courses.

• Students who choose either plan must complete 35 hours of community service over a course of four years.• Crossroads High School program satisfies entrance requirements for colleges and universities in the United States and

follows the Texas requirements for high school graduation.

TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSTwice-exceptional students are provided with the opportunity to work at advanced levels and pursue their interests though advanced projects, classes, and early graduation. Concurrently, twice-exceptional students will have the social and emotional support they often need to achieve their full potential.

TECHNOLOGYThrough the strategic use of technology, combined with creative approaches to education, more personalized methods of learning can be achieved. Tools such as websites and apps empower students to embrace innovative technology and allow them to reach new levels of thinking. All classrooms are equipped with the latest interactive technology.

Many emerging technologies are especially helpful in allowing teachers to assist students in compensating for their learning difference and in turn, generate, share, and save academic work. Similarly, individualized technology allows for greater communication and collaboration, while empowering students to be responsible and independent learners.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESCrossroads provides social opportunities such as competitive sports, social gatherings, and social clubs.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM High School students participate in a variety of school wide and specific curriculum designed to ameliorate the secondary social/emotional issues often associated with learning differences and being twice-exceptional. Programming focuses on developing the student’s skills necessary to overcoming individual challenges in a safe and nurturing environment while preparing them to achieve successful experiences beyond Crossroads School.

As part of their High School curriculum, students will participate in weekly community meetings, self-advocacy and social skills classes. They will also participate in an age appropriate behavioral reinforcement system called “Level Up” designed to promote self-confidence, problem solving and executive functioning.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONFor more information please visit our website at www.crossroadshouston.org or call our Director of Admissions at 713-977-1221.

Crossroads School admissions department works closely with parents to determine the best possible options for the student. Each family’s needs are unique; therefore, we assess each admission request individually.

For possible admissions into Crossroads High School: • Please contact the Director of Admissions for an initial interview and exchange of basic information at 713-977-

1221.• After the initial telephone interview, a campus visit and meeting with the admissions team will be scheduled.• After determining that the prospective student is possibly a good match, the student is invited to spend a day at

Crossroads. Depending on the child, a second visitation day may be scheduled. • Following the student visit, the family is either offered enrollment or given recommendations for other options.• If enrollment is offered, the completed enrollment forms and payment of the enrollment fee will ensure a place for

your child.

CROSSROADS HIGH SCHOOLadmissions

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I ,

I took the one less traveled by,and that has made all the difference.”

- Robert Frost

Crossroads School, Inc. is a licensed, TAAPS accredited, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Crossroads School, Inc. does not discriminate and admits students of any religion, race, color,

gender, nationality or ethnic origin.

5822 Dolores Street

Houston, TX 77057

(713) 977-1221

www.crossroadshouston.org

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