About Us

School hours:

Full Day – 9:15 to 4:06 p.m.

Early Release – 9:24 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Web Site:

http://shriver.apsva.us

The Shriver Program provides education for secondary-aged students ages 12 to 22 who require extensive program applications. As a program serving students with specialized educational needs, Shriver utilizes both classroom and community resources. As part of Arlington’s commitment for a continuum of services, the program provides instruction to assist students with adult placement in the community. Parents and community agencies are an integral part of planning and services. The school’s cooperative relationship is essential to student success. Parents of Shriver students are an important part of the educational team.

The Shriver Program is dedicated to working toward obtaining adult goals of maximum independence. We recognize the importance of maintaining common goals and providing instruction to obtain the skills to reach these goals. Students must grow in their skills to achieve the transition to being productive members of the community. A student government group assists students in their decision-making skills for everyday situations. Activities include regular meetings to discuss, plan and implement ideas to improve the school. The students plan special activities such as the prom, dances, community trips, fundraising, and community volunteer work. Returning to help the community is emphasized along with making responsible decisions about daily issues.

Shriver Program students work in the community and frequently transition to work sites which may require further educational training for success. Transition plans start at age 14 but actual case management with adult services starts just prior to age 18. Preparation for adult community living is the primary goal of the Shriver Program. In order to achieve this goal, a wide range of programs are developed to address each student’s needs. Areas of instruction are based on vocational skills, community skills, academics, communication, leisure and recreation, and other independent skills. Several students participate in programs outside the school setting to provide real-life experiences to develop skills. To gain vocational skills, students participate at private and public worksites, the Career Center, in vocational assessments, complete workshop activities and transition placements for after graduation. To acquire community skills, students are assessed for their skill in the home, school and possible work settings. Learning to take public transportation is a highly regarded skill because it greatly expands the opportunities for work, living, and recreation.

Shriver students have a wide range of academic skills. In some areas, students participate in grade-level instruction and may even attend regular education classes at other schools for part of the day. Any child who starts taking more than three classes outside of Shriver usually returns to his/her home school. Maximizing each child’s achievement in reading, math, and other areas is important for his/her personal growth. Learning to express one’s thoughts is essential to learning how to direct one’s life. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction is provided for several students. Multiple means of communication are needed by many Shriver students. These may include talking, written work, sign language, facilitated communication and other means which include the use of technology. When it comes to leisure and recreation, students can participate in physical activities based on their needs at community sites such as Arlington Community Centers and Arlington swimming pools as well as participate in individual recreational activities.

The Shriver program enjoys working partnerships with several business and community agencies that are supportive of the program. Arlington Hospital has provided several work training areas for students both at the school and at the hospital since the 1960s. Worksites at the hospital have included the warehouse, fabric care, assembly of health packets, secretarial skills, and food service. As part of the partnership, the hospital has recognized Shriver students’ efforts and contributed to various activities at the school.