Academics

Upper School Prep

Jemicy Upper School Prep
A PIVOTAL YEAR OF GROWTH

An extra year of focused support can make all the difference! Located on our Upper School Campus, our Upper School Prep students benefit from instruction tailored to their age and grade, while having the opportunity to experience our upper school community, including clubs and activities. Jemicy’s Upper School Prep program (USP) is a unique pre-high school program designed to build independence, organization, digital literacy, and self-advocacy–essential skills for students with learning differences before they enter high school.

"Is Jemicy Upper School Prep right for my child?"

The USP program welcomes current or rising 8th graders who struggle with reading, writing, math, ADHD, or executive functioning. Our students are bright, curious, motivated learners who benefit from additional explicit instruction to develop the habits required for academic success and independence in high school.

The Jemicy Difference

FAST FACTS

List of 4 items.

7

Average Class Size
2-3

English Language Arts Classes per day
15

Enrollment
100%

Classes with embedded executive function support

All School Fast Facts

Research-Based

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

Explicit instruction on academic strategies and skills is consistently taught and reinforced every day, in every class. Additionally, USP Extension is a daily period where students engage in self-reflection and develop an understanding of what works for their learning profile and how to transfer those skills into a high school environment. From how to keep a backpack organized to test-taking strategies, we cover it here.
- Time management and planning
- Organization
- Metacognition
- Attention and impulse control
- Perseverance
- Flexible thinking
- Effective communication
  - Active listening
  - Email etiquette
  - Public speaking
Multisensory and experiential approaches to learning are the norm, essential for both dyslexic learners and those with executive function deficits.
2 ELA classes every day in addition to small group skills instruction in written expression, language literacy, reading comprehension, or math.
Rigor is designed to challenge, not to overwhelm. Homework is an extension of the day, not extra busy work, and should require little parental involvement.
Personalized curriculum and schedule
- English: 2 periods daily, focused on literature and writing
- Science: Physical Science
- Social Studies: World Geography or Civics
- Math: Placement determined by teacher recommendation and educational team
- Skills: Students receive personalized, targeted instruction in written expression, math, language literacy, or reading comprehension
- USP Seminar: 1 trimester could include: Acting, Physical Education, Technology, and Intro to Latin
- USP Extension: Under the direct guidance of the teacher, students learn academic strategies and practice key skills, such as study and test-taking strategies, note-taking, time management, and organization.

Expertise Meets Creativity

EXTRAORDINARY TEACHERS

A small team of highly trained experts works closely to employ consistent strategies and expectations across all content areas.
Strong, caring, relationships are developed through intentional community building and collaborative learning. Students feel safe enough to take risks and learn how to communicate effectively with their teachers and peers.
Our teachers are fun! They are enthusiastic participants in all of the creative lessons, activities, and celebrations–and the students love it!
Flexibility to meet each student where they are and tailor the program to their needs begins with all teachers having a deep understanding of each students’ learning profile.

Prepared for High School
CONFIDENT STUDENTS

Self-confidence grows as they are surrounded by peers and faculty who understand how they learn, and they enjoy school, often for the first time.
Self-advocacy develops naturally as they gain a complete understanding of their learning profile and learn to effectively communicate their needs with their teachers.
Independence evolves as students progress through the USP program with scaffolding to support them academically, socially, and emotionally along the way.
Seamless transition to high school (most elect to stay at Jemicy!) with the skills they need to be successful.