BREC is a proud participant in the WeCU Initiative!
DAY SCHOOL
Academics
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Blue Ridge Educational Center (B.R.E.C.) is a private day school for students with disabilities, licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia (view our license). B.R.E.C.'s instructional program reflects the philosophy and mission of the school. Learning objectives for all students center on demonstrating positive core values reflective of our community, preparing students for higher education and the workforce, and encouraging each student to achieve his or her highest learning potential. Our day school program provides a structured, yet creative and flexible learning environment in Front Royal where students with a wide range of abilities can enhance the academic, emotional, and life skills they need to be successful in the world. Working in close partnership with the community, we find creative solutions to complex student needs in a safe, community-based educational environment.
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Students in grades 6-12 can attend our day school on a full or part-time basis. Each student's course of study is designed around his or her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Instructional Plan (IIP), and the Virginia Standards of Learning.
Our Instructional Approach
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Whole-child approach
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Ensures that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged
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Student-centered learning environments
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Small-group or individual instruction
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Tiered support systems
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Average instructor to student ratio of 1:3
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Differentiated instructional strategies and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
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Individualized learning plans based on the strengths, needs and learning styles of each student
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Positive behavioral support and encouraging learning through repeated academic success
Therapeutic Services
B.R.E.C. values the development of the whole student and supports learning and growing emotional intelligence as a core component of a student’s education. Self-awareness and self-management skills, partnered with social awareness, empathy, and management of relationships are taught through group activities, mindfulness education, individual mentoring, role-modeling, and regular positive reinforcement as an embedded part of every classroom, each day of school.
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Day school students participate in weekly Advisory group sessions, practicing transitional skills and social skills development.
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Transition Support
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At B.R.E.C., our staff maintain supportive roles with our students during their enrollment with us and beyond. Through age-appropriate academic and functional activities, we help each student to increase their involvement and connection with the community. Without this level of assistance, many students with special challenges exit school without having skills or experiences to help them enter adulthood.
As part of our mission to provide comprehensive yet creative solutions to our student’s needs, we aim to bridge this gap with result-driven care. This involves tailored transition plans and continuous assistance with accessing community-based resources. Every student in our program and every family receives our attention and support as they prepare their child for the next step in life. Many of our students attend public schools for at least one class and receive our close support with making this transition a successful one.
Functional Life Skills
Functional skills are the skills a person needs in order to live independently. A goal for each of our students is to gain as much independence and autonomy as possible and to be part of a learning community where they can develop lasting friendships. At B.R.E.C., some of the ways functional life skills are taught are through:
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Specific Life Skill Activities (such as cooking, money management and self-care)
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Academic Functional Skills
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Community-Based Learning
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Social Skills Training
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Self-determination
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Visual Arts & Music
Our day school program includes the recognition of visual arts, world cultures and music. Through music, group activities, and course instruction, we take a thematic approach to visual and musical communication and production, cultural context, individual expression, history, and aesthetics through which students have the opportunity to develop understanding and appreciation for the visual arts and music and of the ways in which art and music function within a multicultural society.
