Functional Academics Program

Overview
The Functional Academics Program is the continuum of services from the Basic Academics program. It is offered to students in grades 6-12 through age 22 who have moderate to severe disabilities across various domains (i.e. language, fine motor, gross motor, social and cognitive). The program primarily focuses on functional academics, life skills and social skills development.  Students are taught with a modified curriculum that is aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. There is one 6-8 classrooms and two 9-12 through age 22 classrooms offered in Cambridge.

Program Components 

• Low student to teacher ratio (12:2 or 12/3), staffed with a Certified Special Education Teacher and one to two Para-professionals depending on the severity and needs of the students
• Individualized curriculum and instruction based on student’s needs and readiness level
• Multi-sensory approach to instruction
• MCAS-Alt Assessment
• Positive behavior supports
• Social pragmatics
• Transition planning and preparation
• Community Networking
• Vocational Supports
• Related Services consult to class and direct services as per the students IEP
• Service delivery (inclusive, small group, one-to-two, one-to-one)
• Students participate in lunch, recess and other school-based activities with non-disabled peers

Program Locations

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Putnam Avenue Upper School
100 Putnam Ave., Cambridge 02139

Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
459 Broadway, Cambridge 02138


Contact Information

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Ashley McCarthy
Upper School & High School Lead Teacher 
617.349.7774
[email protected]

Desiree Phillips
Upper School & High School Coordinator
617.349.6416
[email protected]