Banner Behavioral Health -Scottsdale
Shari L. Carlsted, MA: (480) 941-7558
800-254-HELP(4357) or
602-254-HELP(4357) within Arizona
"Our mission is to enhance academic skills, social skills and the love of learning in all students."
The Howard S. Gray Education Program is a special function day school, fully accredited by NCA, providing services for students from fifth to twelfth grade.
The Howard S. Gray Education Program works with students experiencing a multitude of behavioral, academic and neurological issues.
Education Through Understanding
- learning disabilities
- attention deficits
- emotional handicaps
- mood disorders
- aspergers syndrome
- high functioning autism
- personality disorders
- depression
- obsessive/compulsive disorders
- social/school phobia
Our specialized programs help adolescents develop their intellect, self-discipline, and self-esteem.
Many of our students that experience academic and emotional difficulties thrive in our small, personal, individualized and supportive environment.
Our students experience on-going supervised learning opportunities for social skills development as well as formalized instruction as indicated by their individual needs.
School districts in the community place students with special needs in our day school program because of our success with increasing academic skills and reintegrating students into their home schools. We also have a number of private placement students at our school.
Read what has been said about the Gray program!
We understand the close relationship between our students' school performance and their educational experiences and subsequent self-image. Our guiding philosophy is that academic achievement supports enhanced self-esteem, confidence and positive emotional maturation.
Consequently, formal learning is our primary focus. All relevant information, including the student's skills, motivations, handicaps and previous school programs and requirements are considered in developing educational programs individualized to the needs of each student.
Development of self-discipline is considered equally practical and important. While a number of behavioral management mechanisms may be employed, positive confrontation combined with genuine praise for effort and success are considered as the most effective means of developing the student's internal controls. Helping a student develop both intellect and self-determination best ensures that they will become contributing member of society.
Our teacher-student ratio is one-to-six with one teacher and an assistant for every 12 students. Our classrooms provide the most current academic materials for individualized instruction and contain multi-media opportunities. Every student can access computers as needed. Additionally, educational and recreational activities are conducted in an arts and crafts center and on outdoor sports and volleyball courts. Landscaped patios and lounges are available for group discussion and interaction.
The Howard S. Gray Education Program's highly individualized instruction results in real academic gains that increase students' chances for success in all future educational endeavors. The education staff has an average tenure of more than 20 years.
Teacher certification and experience qualifies them to work with special needs students with learning disabilities, emotional handicaps and neurological disorders and related behavioral issues. In addition, each teacher is content certified in one or more academic areas.
Highly qualified support personnel are also avaiable in speech/language consultation, occupational therapy services and individual or group counseling.
The level of difficulty and sources of materials used depends upon each student's education placement, skill level, and school history.
Each classroom teacher selects the most appropriate materials for each individual student's learning capabilities and program.
Materials from the following resources are drawn upon:
- Remedial materials
- Multi-media library
- Computer programs
- Science and laboratory equipment
- Creative media including paints, ceramics and sculpture
- An extensive library of textbooks and workbooks
Life / Social Skills
Life and social skills development are an integral part of the curriculum at the Howard Gray School. Classes emphasize forming healthy relationships with peers and adults as well as learning to read the subtle social cues necessary for successfully functioning in a post-academic world. Classes are conducted in a group setting where students learn the appropriate give and take involved in discussing social mores, customs, rules and pragmatics. Topics covered include: career exploration, identifying social norms in a variety of settings, body language, social cues, goal setting, current events, job interview techniques, handling teen pressures, bullying, character education, self-esteem, empathy for others, assertiveness, honesty and resolving conflicts.
Please feel free to call our education director, Shari L. Carlsted, MA at (480) 941-7558.
Members at our business office, (480) 941-7530, can answer specific questions about financing. The Banner Health Helpline is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at (602) 254- HELP (4357).