Programs
Summer Program for Students with Asperger Syndrome
The program will operate two classes, one for students ages 11-16 who are focused on transition planning, and another for students ages 17-22, who are focused on transition planning or have already graduated from school with a regular diploma.
The program is operated in partnership with Commonwealth Autism Service (CAS) which provides technical assistance, staff development, and clinical support.
Charterhouse School focuses on meeting four universal developmental needs identified
by the Circle of Courage(TM):
Belonging: The universal longing for human bonds is cultivated by relationships of trust so that the youth can say, “I am loved.”
• Positive relationships with peers, adults and the community.
• Staff members who will enhance belonging by prompting, encouraging, reassuring, rewarding, and communicating.
Mastery: The inborn thirst for learning is cultivated; by learning to cope with the world, the youth can say, “I can succeed.”
• Academic support/remediation (English and math).
• Social skills (disability awareness; self-advocacy; interpersonal communication; initiative/dependability; anger management; conflict resolution; self-esteem and self-confidence).
• Pre-employment skills (basic work behaviors, attitudes, and habits; resume writing and interviewing skills; and onsite work experience in our Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Information Technology, Maintenance, and Food Services).
Independence: Free will is cultivated by responsibility so that the youth can say, “I have the power
to make decisions.”
• Independent living skills (culinary arts, organizational skills, personal health care; healthy relationships, money management).
• Leisure skills (exploration of interests and community resources).
• Weekly Individual (30 min.) and group therapy (55 min.).
Generosity: Character is cultivated by concern for others so that the youth can say, “I have a purpose for my life.”
• Weekly service learning projects designed to help others and to generalize new skills in the community.
Beginning with initial student and family consults, assessments, and the subsequent service plan development, the program is designed to assist students in reaching their educational, employment, and independent living goals.
Students are provided ongoing feedback regarding progress towards targeted areas of skill development, in addition to self-evaluations which are shared and discussed. This information is summarized through a weekly feedback process.
A summary of student progress is provided at the end of the program to determine effectiveness of the pre-employment, independent living skills, social skills, and academic interventions.
Students may be referred by a local school division, family member, or community-based organization or agency. Students may also self-refer.
Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Brendan Folmar, Principal, (804) 353-4461, ext. 1269
• Tonya Salley-Goodwin, Day School Coordinator, (804) 353-4461, ext. 1258
• Susan Cross, Executive Services Coordinator, Commonwealth Autism Service, (804) 355-0300
Charterhouse Summer Arts Program
Charterhouse School has provided our students with an integrated curriculum based on the performing arts during the summer months since 2005. We have been able to provide invaluable instruction and new and exciting cultural experiences to our students. We have partnered with many of the best performing arts groups and teachers in the greater Richmond area.
Our students have enjoyed workshops in African dance, creative movement, and drama, and have been treated to memorable performances by groups such as Theatre IV, Ezibu Muntu, The Richmond Jazz Society, and The Latin Ballet. These events have helped the teachers enhance and integrate the arts into our curriculum and have provided new ways for our students to learn and grow. These events have also helped to create a greater sense of community within our school and residential program.
