Howard Center Welcomes 98 Students Back to School Across Three Specialized Education Programs.
Burlington and Williston, VT — As students across Vermont head back to school, Howard Center is welcoming 98 students to its specialized education programs serving students from kindergarten through post-secondary education. For many students and families, a new school year brings a mix of excitement, uncertainty, hope, and the opportunity for a fresh start. At Howard Center, it is also a chance to reconnect, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward future success.
“Not all students thrive in traditional educational settings, and some benefit greatly from more intensive and supportive environments like those provided by Howard Center,” said Kristie Reed, Director of Baird School. “Our programs are designed to help students discover their strengths, build important life skills, and experience success in ways that may not have felt possible before. Ultimately, our goal is to help students return to their community schools equipped with new skills, greater confidence, and the tools they need to succeed.”
Baird School, located in Burlington, will welcome 48 students ages 5 to 14 in grades K-8. The program combines academics with social, emotional, and behavioral supports in an active, inclusive, and safe learning environment. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate progress, and develop lifelong habits that support both physical and emotional well-being.
Jean Garvin School, located in Williston, will welcome 39 students ages 12 to 21. The program provides a structured educational and therapeutic environment where students can experience success at school, at home, and in their communities while developing independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Students can participate in either a traditional small-group academic program with therapeutic supports or a more hands-on experiential learning model designed for those with significant educational gaps or credit deficits.
Across all three programs, interdisciplinary teams of educators, clinicians, interventionists, and support staff work together to help students achieve academic, social, and personal success.
“We work hard to build relationships with our students and help them experience success,” said Lisa Bilowith, Director of Jean Garvin School. “When students feel welcome, safe, and seen, they begin to believe in themselves and what’s possible. That’s where meaningful growth happens.”
Howard Center’s SUCCEED program, located in downtown Burlington, serves 11 students from across Vermont. Designed for students with intellectual disabilities or autism, the post-secondary program is operated in partnership with colleges including the University of Vermont and Community College of Vermont. SUCCEED is the only program of its kind in Vermont that includes a residential component, offering many students their first experience living away from home.
The program provides students with a comprehensive college experience, including academic coursework, independent living opportunities, tutoring, mentorship, life-skills development, and pathways to meaningful volunteer and employment experiences. Students graduate with the skills to live independently, develop meaningful relationships, and build lasting connections within their communities.
“Pursuing college-level learning while navigating new independent living opportunities is a significant transition for students and families,” said Mark Prior, Director of SUCCEED. “SUCCEED provides a supportive environment where students can safely explore this important stage of young adulthood while building the skills and confidence needed for the future.”
To learn more about back to school at Howard Center and these life-changing programs, visit howardcenter.org.
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ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,300 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with dozens of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777 or call 988. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.