Northfield Standard 9 Program (S9)

Y.A.L.E. School’s Standard 9 Program is a community-based transition program that helps students who have met their graduation requirements continue to gain the skills they need to reach their goals for employment, independent living, or college readiness.

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. As part of the program, students complete remedial or college level courses as determined by college testing.

Preparation occurs in age-appropriate community settings, enabling our students to adjust to adult environments prior to graduation, with highly qualified special educators and transition specialists guiding the process. We partner with premier businesses, organizations, agencies and colleges.

Y.A.L.E. School transition programs serve students ages 18-21 placed by their school districts, including those in Southern and Central New Jersey, Delaware, and 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.