Howard Center Schools
Not all students are alike. Students come from different backgrounds, enjoy different interests, and have different learning needs. Often, those needs may not be met within a regular educational environment. Our four independent schools offer educational programs for children and youth who have social, emotional, or behavioral challenges that may interfere with their learning. Our dedicated and professional teachers focus on each student’s needs and goals to help remove barriers to learning and create a positive educational experience.
Our schools include:
Baird School
Baird School offers multi-faceted academic, social, emotional, and behavioral programming to students ages 5-14, in grades K-8, who have significant challenges in these areas. Professional educators, clinicians and support staff assist students in developing skills and strategies to help them function successfully at school, home, and in their communities. Special education team members provide transition support for students returning to public school. Students are referred by their Local Education Agency.
For more information about the Baird School, call 802-488-6803 or 802-488-6000.
View the 2021 – 2022 Academic Calendar.
View the 2022 – 2023 Academic Calendar.
Fay Honey Knopp School of the Park Street Program
Fay Honey Knopp is an alternative school program that serves students in grades 7-12. The School is associated with the Park Street Program, an intensive residential program that provides treatment for adolescent males ages 12-17 with sexual harming behaviors. There are supports and services in place to provide the students with the necessary resources to address their emotional, behavioral, mental health and special learning needs. Our goal is to provide a safe educational and therapeutic environment that helps students achieve success in school, in the community, and at home.
Jean Garvin School
Since 1997, the Jean Garvin School has been serving students ages 12-18 and in grades 7-12 who are struggling to be successful in school. We offer educational programming and unique learning opportunities to inspire personal change and well-being. Our staff is dedicated to working with our students, their caregivers, and their teams to create and nurture an experience of safety and trust. Our goal is to provide a safe educational and therapeutic environment that helps students achieve success in school, in the community, and at home.
In addition to offering basic courses of study in math, language arts, science, social studies, and health, we offer intensive special education, therapeutic behavioral intervention and treatment, counseling, social skills training, and family support.
Students are referred by their Local Education Agency.
For more information about the Jean Garvin School 802-488-6000.
View the 2021-2022 Academic Calendar.
View the 2022-2023 Academic Calendar.
School Based Services
In addition, through our School Services Program, we work with staff in local public schools to provide support for students so they succeed in school. Our School Services include:
INCLUSION Program
The INCLUSION Program serves children and youth in grades K-12 with serious emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. Master’s level specialists partner with public school staff to develop and manage all aspects of the behavioral and therapeutic elements of a student’s educational program. A continuum of intensive support and services is offered within the regular education environment and through tutorial services to ensure that a student’s needs are fully addressed without placing undue demands on the school’s regular staff. Family care management services and a summer program are also provided.
Students are referred by their Local Education Agency.
For more information, call 802-488-6600 or 802-488-6000.
School Services Program
The School Services Program provides social work services and therapeutic interventions for children ages 5 to 22 and their families. Howard Center’s masters-level clinicians work in all Chittenden County’s schools, in addition to home and community settings.
Students are referred by their local school, a community agency, or by family members.
For more information about the School Services Program, call 802-488-6664 or 802-488-6000.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Howard Center’s school programs comply with all applicable state and federal nondiscrimination statutes, including the Vermont Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 139), the Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act (21 V.S.A. Chapter 5, Subchapter 6) and Vermont State Board of Education rules 2226.6.