RaShaan’s Story

RaShaan was a resilient young adult when he came into SCO’s Foster Care program over a year ago, unsure of the future and longing for stability. Though he initially stepped into our residential group home with apprehension, it soon became a haven where he formed bonds and found constant support. RaShaan was relieved he finally had a place to call home.

Rashaan was assigned a Forward Journey coach, Arzu, who works with him on his education, career, and life skill goals. As Rashaan puts it, “She’s the person I call for anything and everything.”

When he first came into care, he wasn’t enrolled in school, didn’t have a job, and was unsure of the paths he wanted to follow. Arzu encouraged him to go back to get his GED and connected him to SCO’s Mentored Internship Program (MIP).

In MIP, Rashaan was able to work on his resume, cover letter, interview skills, and network. After completing MIP, he continues to receive support through SCO’s Passages to Adulthood program, where he learns independent living skills and interns – gaining real world job experience.

Under a steadfast mentorship, RaShaan reignited his educational drive, pursuing his GED with an aspiration to excel in the performing arts. With skills sharpened through SCO’s programs to support youth in care, he stands at the threshold of a bright future, enriched by invaluable experiences and friendships.

Shalini’s Story

Shalini is a young woman who knows exactly where she’s headed. A chance experience tutoring young children as a high school student while in SCO’s foster care program ignited her passion for teaching, and now guides her every step.

With a razor-sharp focus on achieving her goals, Shalini has mapped out her immediate and long-term plans. First, she’ll graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree in early education. And then it’s off to graduate school to earn her master’s in teaching. A few years ago, these might have been considered lofty goals, but with the right supports in place, Shalini is well on her way.

Shalini was placed in SCO’s Foster Care program after the death of her father 9 years ago. While safe and well-cared for by her foster family, she was angry and worried about the future. “I needed a team to support me and advise me, and give me the right tools to succeed,” she reflects.

And a team is exactly what she received. SCO provided the resources, services, and guidance she needed to become her best self. During high school, a team of education and mental health specialists helped Shalini overcome obstacles and helped her to realize she “did not have to transition to adulthood alone.” She participated in mentoring programs, made new connections, and built relationships with other young adults in care. As her confidence grew, Shalini began tutoring children from a nearby elementary school as part of her program with SCO. That was the “aha” moment that shaped her future. She fell in love with teaching!

When it was time for college, SCO’s staff helped Shalini complete applications, navigate financial aid, and apply to the Dorm Project, which enables her to live in a college dorm all year round. Her SCO coach remains a constant presence and is even helping Shalini work towards getting a driver’s license.

Today, Shalini is a rising junior at Hunter College, and we have no doubt she will achieve all she sets out to accomplish.

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Academic Program

Westbrook Preparatory School offers a robust academic program designed to provide rigor within a therapeutic learning environment for both day and residential students.

The curriculum is aligned with the New York State Common Core Learning Standards and students are provided with coursework required to meet New York State graduation requirements for a Regents diploma.

All Westbrook students receive daily instruction within a low ratio (6:1:1) setting to ensure appropriate attention to their individual needs as well as the provision of differentiated instruction by our outstanding faculty. Our innovative curriculum content and design reflects the integration of best pedagogical practices and is geared to foster the self-actualization process for all our students. We emphasize constructivist learning approaches, inquiry-based learning strategies, student autonomy, and access to multiple learning modalities. Our classroom environment is structured, nurturing, and filled with multiple opportunities for students to express their creativity and draw upon their unique strengths, preferences and interests.

Academic Program Highlights

  • Access to learning technology via the use of laptops, audiobooks and iPads
  • Annual parent-teacher conferences
  • Array of related services embedded within the school day
  • Availability of school-wide Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)
  • Collaboration with Nassau BOCES in the provision of online coursework
  • Curriculum-based field trips and site visits
  • Daily academic support periods for all students
  • Innovative art and music curricula including  courses in digital music theory and notation
  • Innovative technology curriculum including courses in MS Office suite and Blockly coding
  • Innovative health and wellness curriculum including topics such as self-advocacy, healthy body image and safe dating
  • Local member of National Honor Society
  • Unique 6-week Summer Academy that supplements academics with recreational activities (i.e. hiking) and clubs (i.e. Rocketry Club)
  • Valuable community internships and work-based learning
  • Vibrant school community filled with fun activities and team building opportunities

Summer Academy

In order to support our students’ positive growth throughout the traditional school year, Westbrook Preparatory School offers a unique 6-week Summer Academy program during the months of July and August. The program is designed to augment our academic program by providing a blended program of academics, athletics and recreational activities that target holistic growth and development during the summer months. Course offerings are diverse throughout the summer and may range from Regents examination preparation to popular electives such as Forensics and Pocket Theatre. During our Summer Academy, students are strategically programmed for courses based on academic requirements and they are also provided their typical array of related services. Academic coursework is supplemented by a range of daily activities that are congruent with student interests and preferences, and provide meaningful opportunities for engagement in community based activities such as internships, athletics, clubs, field trips and summer employment.

Summer Coursework and Activities:

  • Aquatics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Crochet Club
  • Field Trips
  • Forensics
  • Gaming Club
  • Hiking Club
  • Internships
  • Pocket Theatre
  • Regents Examination Preparation
  • Rocketry Club
  • School Newspaper Club
  • Soccer
  • Summer Employment
  • Travel Training
  • Westbrook Talent Show

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This program is associated with...

Westbrook Preparatory School

Westbrook Preparatory School is the first residential New York State Regents junior/senior high school for students with a classification of Autism, Other Health Impairment, or Emotional Disability and related conditions. Read More

RaShaan’s Story

Reigniting educational drive through mentorship opportunities

Read RaShaan’s Story

Shalini’s Story

Destined for success with support from her SCO team

Read Shalini’s Story

90%

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