Programs
Curriculum & Learning Approach
Our Learning Approach
At Lionheart, we do not follow a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Each student’s educational program is shaped around their strengths, needs, learning profile, developmental level, and goals. Our teachers and specialists design purposeful learning experiences using a range of evidence-based resources, developmental frameworks, therapeutic approaches, and instructional programs.
Our educational philosophy is grounded in developmental, relationship-based approaches, including DIR®/Floortime™, which emphasizes understanding each student’s unique profile, meeting them where they are developmentally, building strong relationships, supporting regulation, and fostering growth through purposeful interaction. These principles are woven throughout the school day and guide how we teach, support, and engage students. Programming is also informed by Common Core and applicable state standards, while remaining responsive to each student’s individual needs — with a consistent focus on genuine progress, real-world application, independence, and the development of the whole child.
Our Curriculum
Literacy & Communication
Instruction may draw on Orton-Gillingham® and Linda-Mood Bell® methodologies, Reading A–Z®/Raz-Kids®, teacher-created materials, adaptive texts, and a wide range of high-interest literature, including novels, picture books, informational texts, and authentic reading materials.
Students build foundational reading skills, fluency, vocabulary, and language comprehension alongside critical thinking and written and verbal communication — instruction designed to foster both skill development and a lasting love of reading.
Writing & Written Expression
Writing instruction centers on communication, self-expression, organization, and practical writing skills. Teachers draw on a variety of resources and strategies to support students at every developmental level, incorporating journal writing, creative writing, structured writing programs, and assistive technology as appropriate.
Mathematics
Rather than following a single math curriculum, teachers design and adapt instruction based on each student’s strengths, needs, learning profile, and goals — drawing on online learning tools, teacher-created materials, hands-on manipulatives, assistive technology, and evidence-based practices.
The aim is genuine mathematical understanding and real-world application, built through individualized instruction, hands-on experience, problem-solving, and learning that extends across school and community settings. Some of the curriculum we might draw from include RightStart Math, Khan Academy, StudyLadder, Happy Numbers and NumberPals.
Project-Based & Experiential Learning
Learning at Lionheart extends well beyond the classroom. Students take part in project-based experiences that integrate academic, social, communication, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and vocational goals throughout the year — including hands-on learning in the community and at Lionheart Gardens®.
Functional Academics & Life Skills
Students take part in authentic learning experiences that build independence, self-advocacy, communication, and daily living skills, woven throughout classroom activities, community-based learning, and vocational experiences.
Handwriting & Technology
Students may receive instruction using resources such as Handwriting Without Tears® and Keyboarding Without Tears®, which are individualized to support fine motor development, written communication, and access to technology.
Social Cognition, Emotional Regulation & Executive Function
Social-emotional learning is embedded throughout all programming. Using approaches such as Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking® methodology and principles of DIR®/Floortime™, we support the development of perspective-taking, Theory of Mind, social problem-solving, self-regulation, emotional awareness, flexible thinking, relationship-building, and executive functioning.
Students build the foundational capacities needed for learning — attention, engagement, communication, emotional regulation, social connection, and independent thinking — through direct instruction, guided practice, relationship-based interaction, play and exploration, community experiences, and everyday moments of connection.
The goal is to help students build the confidence, flexibility, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills they need to navigate academic, social, vocational, and community life.
*The curriculum listed above is not exhaustive; staff use additional tools and resources throughout our academic programming.
