Telos Academy’s mission is to guide our students in a process of positive, intellectual growth toward academic competency. We strive to develop healthy attitudes that are supportive of life-long learning and productive citizenship. We believe all students can learn and education is standards-based. We also believe when inspirational people utilize relationships, individual learning styles, and specific curriculum objectives, exceptional teaching and learning occurs.
ACADEMY
What sets us apart: All teachers are licensed and credentialed in their content areas. This means that our teacher have a depth of knowledge that surpasses the “generalist” teachers who teach all subjects. Class sizes are kept small (6 to 8 students). This enables our teachers to attend to students individually. In this setting teachers have the time to assess individual learning styles. They can utilize creativity and “out-of-the-box” activities to help students engage and succeed. By keeping things small our teachers and students can form the relationships of trust that create space for deeper learning. Our teachers (along with all Telos staff) are trained to understand NLD, information processing disorders, and executive functioning challenges. Students who have struggled in traditional settings are “seen through new eyes” as individuals with wonderful potential. Our teachers understand the simple modifications that “set the stage” for success with learning differences. Student-teacher dynamics are such that weaker students are nurtured while stronger students are challenged beyond-standard. Students who aren’t in need of academic modifications are challenged by individualized assignments, BYU Independent Study courses, and courses offered at Utah Valley University. Telos Academy offers 12-week SAT/ACT Preparation classes taught by licensed, credentialed teachers. Students are assisted in researching appropriate colleges. They are mentored through the application process from start to finish. Parents can enjoy daily monitoring of their students. By using our Powerschool online tracking system, teachers and parents can stay in close contact. Parent/Teacher Conferences take place during Family Days (every 8-10 weeks). Occasionally, there are students who, after utilizing all of the standard resources of Telos Academy, need additional help. In these cases we provide (at additional cost) a developed tutoring program. Our academic tutors are patient, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Some of the students at Telos have struggled with organization. They do their work, but lose the assignments. They have the assignment, but forget to turn it in. For students with more serious executive functioning issues, parents can hire Telos-trained Organizational Coaches. Our Org Coaches can act as personal organization trainers, constantly increasing the student’s ability to manage his own academic life. We emphasize “cross-curricular planning between content areas”. Teachers from multiple classes co-plan assignments that deepen their students’ understanding of a specific standard. We hold our students to high expectations. They are to be themselves--but to be their “best” selves. Teaching in the classroom incorporates true-principles of goodness. Our goal is to educate the mind while building confidence and character.
Telos Academy has received 10 “commendations” from our most recent NAAS site visit--setting a record for the most awarded to any residential treatment academic program!