The Referral & Enrollment Process at Connect Academy

At Connect Academy, we are committed to providing specialized therapeutic day programs for students in Pre-K through eighth grade who require individualized academic and emotional support. Our programs are designed to help students develop the skills they need to thrive in a structured, nurturing environment.

We work in close collaboration with school districts to ensure students are placed in the appropriate program based on their age, academic needs, and behavioral support requirements. If you are a district representative or educator looking to refer a student, this guide will walk you through our referral and enrollment process.

Step-by-Step Referral Process

Step 1: District Referral
The referring school district initiates the process by identifying a student who may benefit from our therapeutic day programs. The district submits a formal referral, providing key details about the student’s academic history, behavioral needs, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Step 2: Evaluation & Review
Once a referral is received, the Connect Academy team carefully reviews the student’s educational records, behavioral history, and therapeutic needs. This evaluation ensures that our programs align with the student’s learning profile, allowing us to provide the best possible support if they are accepted. Please note, space is limited and an application does not guarantee placement at Connect Academy. 

Step 3: Program Placement
If a student is accepted to Connect Academy, they can be placed in one of our three specialized programs:

• Connect Academy Early Childhood (Pre-K – K): Focuses on early intervention, foundational skills, and therapeutic support for young learners.
• Connect Academy East (K – 2nd): Provides structured, individualized instruction to help younger students develop academic and social-emotional skills.
• Connect Academy Main (3rd – 8th): Offers comprehensive academic and therapeutic services to support students in achieving their IEP goals and building greater independence.

Step 4: Ongoing Support & Transition
Once enrolled, we work closely with the referring district, families, and the student to ensure a smooth transition into Connect Academy. We provide continuous updates, progress monitoring, and collaborative meetings to ensure each student’s needs are met throughout their time with us.

What You Need to Complete a Referral
To ensure a smooth and efficient referral process, districts must submit specific information and documents when referring a student.

Required Information:

• Student’s Full Name
• School District Name & Contact Person (Phone & Email)
• Date of Birth & Current Grade Level
• Primary Eligibility & Reason for Referral
• Parent/Guardian Names & Contact Information
• Current Placement & Educational History

Required Documents:

• Most Recent IEP
• Most Recent Evaluation/Re-evaluation
• Behavioral Data & Incident Reports (Last 4-6 Months)

Providing complete and up-to-date information helps us tailor our academic and therapeutic support to best meet the student’s needs.

Why Choose Connect Academy?
At Connect Academy, we offer more than just academic instruction—we provide a structured, therapeutic environment that helps students develop emotionally, socially, and behaviorally alongside their educational goals. Our small class sizes, individualized instruction, and therapeutic interventions create a setting where students can build confidence and gain the skills they need for long-term success.
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Begin the Referral Process Today
If you are a school district representative looking to refer a student, we invite you to start the process today. Our team is here to collaborate with you every step of the way to ensure the best possible placement and support for each student.

For additional questions, please contact us via our website’s contact form. We’re happy to guide you through the process and help you determine if Connect Academy is the right fit for your student!

Referral Resources