Northfield Standard 9 Program (S9)

Y.A.L.E. School’s Standard 9 Program at Northfield is a community-based special education transition program targeting IEP goals for employment, independent living, or college readiness beyond senior year.

This groundbreaking approach, pioneered by Y.A.L.E. School with colleges as our partners, is offered to students by both Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill and Y.A.L.E. School Northfield. Students approved to attend the program by their sending school have already earned high school credits that meet state requirements, but demonstrate transition deficits warranting further special education to make progress towards their IEP transition goals. In the Standard 9 Program, continuing high school students target these transition goals with the support of a special education teacher and additional transition specialists. In collaboration with parents and districts, the student defers accepting a high school diploma while receiving special education instruction that emphasizes learning experiences tailored to the transition needs of the student.

Students with college aspirations develop and refine study skills and learn to navigate college systems, services, and procedures. They also complete remedial or college level courses based on college testing to apply skills in a college setting. In addition, the program develops work readiness skills through internships and job opportunities. Valuable community partnerships with premier businesses, organizations, agencies and colleges give Standard 9 students multiple pathways to expand their transition skills and experiences to gain confidence and build independence.

Y.A.L.E. School transition programs serve students ages 18-21 from school districts and charter schools in Southern and Central New Jersey, Delaware, Philadelphia, and its surrounding counties.

S9 at Northfield

The program provides both a college partnership with Atlantic Cape Community College for students focused on college readiness, as well as a transition tier for those preparing for competitive employment. All students in the program receive transition instruction, planning, and preparation in employment, independent living, community participation, and more. Classes cover reading and writing skills, financial literacy, social skills, health and wellness habits, and much more.

Students with college aspirations who have completed their high school requirements can continue to prepare for college with Northfield S9. Students refine career goals that require a two- or four-year degree or certificate completion, and can even participate in classes on campus at Atlantic Cape Community College. A peer-mentoring program provides support and guidance through in-person and remote check-ins.

Work-readiness preparation helps students to learn transferable skills at the level of challenge and expectation right for them. Work-based learning opportunities include internal paid jobs, community internships, and external paid jobs. Eligible students may also prepare for the workplace in an instructional space located in a professional office park, and field training at the Y.A.L.E. Co-op offers hands-on experiences and skill development using hi-tech equipment like a state-of the-art laser printer.