About Pilgrim Academy

Pilgrim Academy is a small, structured, therapeutic school for students in grades 5-12 experiencing significant social, emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. The goal of placement is to assist students in re-establishing and maintaining typical adolescent responsibilities such as: consistent school attendance, appropriate emotional regulation, effective interpersonal skills, and consistent completion of school work.  The school offers students an opportunity for psychological, academic, and personal growth.

Additionally, the Academy has programs designed for students with a primary diagnosis of high functioning autism spectrum disorder, non-verbal learning disability, and/or executive functioning difficulties. To maximize success, these students are provided with counseling, a daily, integrated Social Thinking™ curriculum, social pragmatics, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration support, life skills, and transitional services.

Students often have mental health needs that have been, or continue to be, addressed in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Clinical services are provided to support students in their efforts to improve emotional regulation and functioning. In addition, school clinicians also maintain regular contact with families, consult and collaborate with outside mental health agencies, and act as a liaison with student and family mental health providers.

Academic abilities range from above average to slightly below average.  We provide a challenging academic curriculum consistent with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education state mandated curriculum frameworks. The curriculum is individualized to meet each student’s needs as outlined in his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Class sizes are small, with a high staff to student ratio, to maximize success. The program utilizes a structured therapeutic system through which preferred and improved social and emotional functioning are highlighted and acknowledged. Counseling services are provided to assist students in countering the problems that have been disruptive to their educational and personal success.

Referrals

The process for making referrals to PAC for any program or services must come from the sending school district of the student involved. Though PAC is pleased to provide general information regarding programs and services to parents and LEA representatives, any serious consideration of enrolling a student must begin with the formal initiation of referral documents from the sending school district’s Special Education Office to the Collaborative.

Referrals for Pilgrim Academy should be directed to:

Dympna Thomas, Executive Director
Pilgrim Academy
42 Industrial Park Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 781-293-6111
Fax: 508-732-0055