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Special Education Schools
For over 20 years, EdAdvance has partnered with area school districts to provide cost-effective, specialized educational, behavioral, and diagnostic services for students with social, emotional, and behavioral conditions that significantly impact their ability to learn.
Our skilled team collaborates closely with students, families, and districts to design a comprehensive plan that addresses the educational, social-emotional, and transitional needs of each student. Outplacement schools in three locations serve our region, spanning Litchfield and Fairfield counties: ACCESS Middle & High School and BEAM (Building Excellence and Motivation) Elementary School in Danbury, Partnership Learning Academy (PLA) in Plymouth, and Steps Middle & High School in Torrington.​
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For more info, contact:
Annette Miserez-Dillon
Director of Special Education Programs & Services
860-567-0863 x1040
ACCESS Middle & High School
ACCESS Middle & High School, located in Danbury, is a specialized educational day school serving students in grades 8-12. ACCESS students receive continuous, team-based, behavioral and academic assessments, as well as weekly individual and group counseling. ACCESS Middle & High School offers a variety of educational program options including an Academic/Behavioral Outplacement Program, Short-Term Diagnostic Placement, and an Expelled Student Program.
Please contact Principal, Laura Miller, to learn more information or to make a referral at: miller@edadvance.org or 203-205-0000.
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Building Excellence and Motivation (BEAM)
Elementary School
Building Excellence and Motivation (BEAM) Elementary School, located in Danbury, supports special education students with complex learning profiles and are in Kindergarten through Grade 7. Our team comprises highly dedicated professionals, including certified Special Education Teachers, a School Psychologist, BCBA and RBT’s and paraeducators, who collaboratively deliver exceptional care and support for students already identified within special education and for districts who are considering diagnostic placement. Characteristics of students who will benefit from placement at BEAM are: those with multiple and significant delays in areas of communication, learning, adaptive, social-emotional, and behavior; those who learn best through individual (or dyad), explicit, repetitive instruction; and those who are working towards building stamina and readiness for learning, while developing skills to maximize independence. The school team maintains regular contact with students’ families and districts, as unified plan and approach is essential to student development and progress.
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Please contact the Principal, Jennifer McCormick, to learn more or to make a referral at: mccormick@edadvance.org or 203-205-0000.
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Partnership Learning Academy (PLA)
Partnership Learning Academy (PLA) supports students in grades Kindergarten through 5 in practicing and gaining skills for managing emotions, regulating behavior, and maintaining appropriate social interactions. The team, including special education teachers, school social worker, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Registered Behavior Technicians, and paraeducators, provides tailored assistance to address challenges with attention, impulsivity, organization, and task completion. Through specialized behavioral interventions, social-emotional learning, and academic modifications, PLA offers targeted social skills instruction to enhance peer interactions and group participation. In this therapeutic learning community, specialized instruction, strong family partnerships and frequent collaboration with outside providers, guide students to realize their full potential.
Please contact the Principal, Charity Wilson, to learn more or to make a referral at: wilson@edadvance.org or 860-516-7005.
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​Steps Middle & High School (SMHS)
Steps Middle & High School (SMHS), located in Torrington, specializes in empowering students in grades 6-12 with unique educational needs. SMHS is a nurturing environment that mirrors a typical secondary school experience while offering the personalized attention that helps students thrive. SMHS combines small class sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio to ensure each student receives individualized support. The dedicated school team includes certified special education and content area teachers, school social workers/school councelors, registered behavior technicians, and paraeducators—all working together to deliver team-based behavioral and academic instruction. Additionally, there is a comprehensive school-wide behavioral support system, supervised a full-time Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, to ensure a structured and supportive learning environment.
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Additionally, Steps Middle and High School offers an education alternative for students who have been expelled, Expelled Student Program. Students enrolled in this program are integrated into the instruction and behavior support system, assisting them with learning from their mistakes which resulted in the expulsion while providing continuity of coursework and school routines.
Please contact Principal, Michael Nazzaro, to learn more information or to make a referral at: nazzaro@edadvance.org or 860-618-7411 x1286.
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