Transition and Life Skills

At Oak Hill Academy, we believe that preparing our students for the workforce and independent living is just as important as the acquisition of academic skills. Vocational skills are embedded into the curriculum, beginning in the early grades, when students are encouraged to follow a picture-supported schedule, assigned classroom jobs and taught how to complete multi-step independent work routines, using our “contract” system. Many of our high school classes, including economics, business and Money Matters employ a student-led, project-based model in which students design and execute a business. In 9th through 12th grade, students participate in a dedicated transition skills class, which provides training in vocational and independent living skills such as budgeting, meal preparation, interviewing for a job and working as a team to complete a task. Juniors and seniors also visit off-campus job sites weekly.