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Programs

The academic programs at Aurora School offer a 1:1 or 1:1.5 staff-to-student ratio for early, intermediate, and advanced learners on an academic or an independent living curriculum. Each student has an individualized academic program that is designed to best meet his or her needs. Aurora utilizes the Applied Behavior Analysis methodology with an emphasis in Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to enhance the communication skills of our students.

All of our students are supported by a BoardCertified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensed teacher throughout our school day from 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM. In addition to the depth of behavioral and academic support, we offer a variety of related services: Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, and Music Therapy. Aurora accepts student applications submitted from the following sources: Local Education Agencies and parents/guardians.

Accreditations/Licensure

Aurora School is accredited by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Aurora’s student programs are licensed and rendered with academic and vocational needs in mind. With VDOE licensure, Aurora is able to operate and provide students with exceptional educational services. 

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The Rover Program

The Rover Program is a year-round (twelve-month) program offering a reduced ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 staff-to-student for academically focused students. Rover is designed to expose students with academics in their Individualized Education Plan to an inclusive classroom setting. Wright Cottage provides access for students to learn in a reduced ratio, similar to one they would experience in a public-school setting. The Rover program focuses on academic learning in addition to vocational, daily living, and social skills. Rover is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to serve academically placed students (5-22) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury.  The Rover Program also offers related services of Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy as needed.
 
Most academic programs follow the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement (VB-MAPP) curriculum. Others may follow curriculum options such as: 
• Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (VAAP)
• SRA reading
• Distar math
• Leveled reading programs
• Edmark
• Language for Learning
• Teaching Language
• Reading Milestones

Students on an independent living curriculum focus on communication, either vocally, with sign language, individualized visual supports, or with picture exchange. Staff use Applied Behavior Analysis following the work of B.F. Skinner. Orion offers a six-hour and fifteen-minute school day.
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The Atmos Program

Atmos is a year-round (twelve-month) alternative high-school program that primarily serves secondary students preparing for transition to the Launch program. Atmos uses a 1:1 to 1:2 staff-to-student ratio utilizing the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) methodology to follow the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and/or ABLLS-R (Revised Assessment of Basic Language and Learning) curricula.  Atmos also uses the ABA methodology to teach an independent living skills curriculum, helping students become independent in self-care. The Atmos program that serves primarily students ages 14-18 with autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury.  Licensed to operate from the Virginia Board of Education (VDOE). The Atmos program is working to increase independence with living, functional, communication, and vocational skills. Students on an independent living curriculum focus on communication (vocally, with sign language, picture exchange, individualized visual supports, etc.). The Atmos program also offers related services of Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy as needed.
 
Most academic programs follow the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement (VB-MAPP) curriculum. Others may follow curriculum options such as: 
• SRA reading
• Distar math
• Leveled reading programs
• Edmark
• Language for Learning
• Teaching Language
• Reading Milestones
• Virginia Alternative Assessment Program(VAAP)

Students on an independent living curriculum focus on communication, either vocally, with sign language, individualized visual supports, or with picture exchange. Staff use Applied Behavior Analysis following the work of B.F. Skinner. Orion offers a six-hour and fifteen-minute school day.
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The Orion Program

AGES 5 – 13

Orion is a year-round (twelve-month) program that serves elementary-age students (5-13 years old) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech and language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The Orion program also offers related services of Speech and Occupational Therapy as needed. Aurora School has a license to operate, from the Virginia Board of Education.

Most academic programs follow the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement (VB-MAPP) curriculum. Others may follow curriculum options such as:

  • SRA reading
  • Distar math
  • Leveled reading programs
  • Edmark
  • Language for Learning
  • Teaching Language
  • Reading Milestones
  • Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)

Students on an independent living curriculum focus on communication, either vocally, with sign language, individualized visual supports, or with picture exchange. Staff use Applied Behavior Analysis following the work of B.F. Skinner. Orion offers a six-hour and fifteen-minute school day.

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The LAUNCH Program

AGES 14-22

LAUNCH is a year-round (12-month), alternative high school program that serves secondary students (14-22 years old) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The program also offers related services of Speech and Occupational Therapy as needed. We have a license to operate, from the Virginia Board of Education.

In addition, the program also offers a variety of programming options which include:

  • SRA Reading
  • Distar Math
  • Leveled reading programs
  • Edmark
  • Language for Learning
  • Teaching Language
  • Reading Milestones
  • Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)

With these curriculum options our students may also have access to the general education as appropriate. LAUNCH also uses the ABA methodology to teach a combination of academic, independent living skill, and community-based instruction. LAUNCH offers a six-hour and fifteen-minute school day.

Aurora has a License to operate, from the Virginia Board of Education.