Student Supports

student supports

Merit Academy is a choice-in public school comprised of students from many walks of life and with various abilities. Parents choose Merit Academy for our academically challenging classical, knowledge-rich curriculum and dedication to our Code of Honor and Conduct.

Some of our scholars may need additional support to be successful. Our staff members and our UP BOCES network are specialized in providing the assistance or interventions that students need.

Merit Academy is an active member in the UP BOCES network of special education services. We work with our UP BOCES to determine which programs or services within the network of districts and schools provide students a Free Appropriate Public Education, based on the needs as described on their IEP.

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

Special Education

Please let us know if your student is on an IEP.

We provide the following services:

Speech therapist
Occupational therapist
Literacy, Reading, Math Interventions (i.e. dyslexia)
Classroom assistance, following the IEP
School nurse and health aide
Psychologist: evaluation
Counselor or Social Worker
Certified Special Education teacher to manage IEP cases

Gifted & Talented

Please let us know if your student is on an ALP.

Students may exhibit giftedness in many fields. This is often initially recognized with a 95% or higher score on a variety of assessments.

The GT coordinator will work with families to provide the additional resources that GT students may need

Health

Please let us know if your student is on a 504 or has other health needs.

Our nurse, health aide and 504 coordinator are available to manage the health needs of students. Such needs range from upset tummies to daily documented health needs. Please provide staff with the medical documentation and prescribed orders.

Also, please let us know if anything changes in the health protocols of your child. It's important to keep lines of communication open for the health and safety of our students.

English Language Learners

Students whose primary language is one other than English may qualify for ELL services. These students are identified through the Home Language Survey and a follow-up screening. ACCESS is an annual assessment used to identify growth or needed services. All of these combined may determine the student's level of proficiency in the English language.

Title 1 students

A family's socio-economic status should not prevent children from an excellent education. Students who qualify will have a waiver of school meal expenses and student fees. Students may receive uniform scholarships. There will be ample resources and services for students struggling with Reading and Math.

Even with something as simple as additional tutoring, our personnel will meet with you to assess which interventions would be most effective. The successful education of children is a partnership between the family or guardians and the school. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your teacher or a staff member to discuss this collaboration. Together, we will nurture confident, responsible, and joyful citizens.