The Power of Academic Success
The teenagers in Daytop often have gaps in their schooling as a result of absenteeism or truancy due to their substance use. Sometimes they stopped caring about grades and education, and sometimes they just didn’t show up at school.
Adolescents often experience their first period of academic success with us because we take the time to work with them through the insecurities. The small classes and individualized teaching allow the students to move at their own pace and not feel threatened that they’ll have to expose their educational deficits to the rest of the class.
(Smiling mother with son who is a Daytop High School graduate)
(border around photo)
“The difference between my old school and
Daytop is that the teachers pay attention
to what I need to work on.”
Our approach to learning embraces the whole student. Raising academic levels alone is not enough to allow our students to function well in today’s world. They must learn to work with others, cope with life’s stresses, solve problems and meet goals.
“My teacher is getting me ready to take the GED test. I know I will pass.”
“Often, parents will deny a drug problem exists out of fear of interrupting their child’s academic course of study, and they ask questions centered on the Daytop school program before they ask about the treatment process.”
Wayne O’Connell, Daytop Suffolk
While parents are primarily concerned that their children maintain or advance to grade level and score well on standardized tests, they appreciate their children’s new focus and confidence in tackling all academic subjects.
(border around photo)
(Teacher in front of class)
(Smiling mother with son in graduation cap and gown)
“My teacher, Tony, actually makes Science interesting. I used to cut all the time.”
“We had a young man, Andre, return to Fox Run to speak to the family of his military experience in Iraq and how he came to be a Bona Fide decorated hero. Later on, he was telling me about basic training. Since there are very few land features in the desert to go by for navigation, the troops were equipped with handheld GPS units. Andrew was proud to say that he already know how to use it because of our Project class at Fox Run.”
Tony Robinson, Teacher
“My goal for my education is to attend college.
I know I will do it with my teacher’s help.”
Each June, the Daytop school graduation ceremony gives our graduates and students the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments. Clients just beginning the program see what these students have attained, and begin to see possibilities for themselves that they may have considered beyond their reach.
“Being able to graduate with his home school class on time had a tremendous impact on my son’s self esteem.”
“The graduation events are dignified and inspirational for everyone. Students in treatment, especially, are significantly impacted by seeing the achievments of their peers.”
Jeff Monk, Social Worker