Hillcrest Academy 400 Columbus Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hillcrest Academy, located at 400 Columbus Avenue in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a therapeutic day school that provides comprehensive educational and clinical behavior support services to children and adolescents with autism and/or social-emotional challenges. Formerly known as Housatonic Academy, the institution operates on a 12-month program basis, including a 7-week summer program, with rolling admissions throughout the year. The Academy believes in individualized services that identify and build on the strengths of each student and their families in a safe environment, allowing them to reach their highest potential.

The academic environment at Hillcrest Academy is designed to foster success through a student-centered approach to learning. Special needs students receive the necessary education, counseling, and support services to help them learn and thrive. The institution offers hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, including community-based experiences, to help students develop real-life skills. For students aged 14 and older, a pre-vocational program is available to develop job-readiness skills in various employment fields.

Classrooms at Hillcrest Academy cater to students with social-emotional or behavioral difficulties that cannot be met within a public school setting. Some classrooms are specifically dedicated to educating children on the autism spectrum, utilizing an Applied Behavior Analysis approach to education and behavior management. The Academy also emphasizes connecting students with their communities to strengthen their support networks and facilitate transitions to mainstream educational environments.

The Gerard E Burke Academic Center, fully renovated in 2017, is a state-of-the-art facility at Hillcrest Academy featuring a STEAM classroom, interactive media center, vocational classroom, and gym/auditorium for social and recreational events. The facility serves as a place of education and enrichment for the community, accommodating the growing demand for therapeutic day school services.

Hillcrest Academy serves a diverse population, including individuals with autism, behavior disorders, developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances, and more. The institution has a staff-to-pupil ratio of 6:1:1 and offers psycho-educational classes with a ratio of 8:1:2. The Academy's goal is to help students develop the academic and social skills necessary for success in less restrictive mainstream educational settings.

For more information, interested parties can contact Hillcrest Academy at (413) 499-7924 or visit the institution at 400 Columbus Avenue, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.