Wyncote Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Our school-wide P.R.I.D.E. program promotes five core expectations:

Punctual • Respectful • Inclusive • Disciplined • Engaged

Through LiveSchool, our school-wide positive behavior reinforcement and tracking platform, students receive ongoing feedback, recognition, and opportunities to earn incentives for demonstrating positive behavior.

Our comprehensive School Climate and Behavior Plan emphasizes:

· Positive behavior reinforcement and consistent expectations.

· Individualized behavioral interventions and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).

· Restorative practices, relationship-building, and conflict resolution.

· Self-regulation, self-advocacy, and responsible decision-making.

· Data-driven interventions and behavioral progress monitoring.

· Collaboration among teachers, counselors, the Climate Team, families, and LEA partners.

We recognize that behavior is a form of communication. Our approach balances individualized support, accountability, skill development, and the safety and well-being of our entire school community.

Collaboration with Our LEA Partners

We believe successful student placements are built on communication, transparency, and shared responsibility. Wyncote Academy works closely with referring school districts throughout the admissions process and during a student’s enrollment.

Our collaboration includes:

· Reviewing student records, evaluations, IEPs, and educational history.

· Participating in IEP meetings and educational planning.

· Monitoring and communicating academic and behavioral progress.

· Reviewing accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.

· Collaborating on behavioral interventions, safety planning, and student needs.

· Supporting transition planning and meaningful postsecondary outcomes.

Our goal is to establish a productive partnership that ensures each student receives appropriate educational programming and the support necessary to succeed.

Referral and Admissions Process

Wyncote Academy welcomes referrals from school districts and LEAs seeking an individualized educational placement for a student in grades 6–12. Our admissions process is designed to ensure that each prospective student has the opportunity to experience our school community while allowing our team to determine whether Wyncote Academy can appropriately meet their individual needs.

1. Initial Referral

The referring LEA contacts Josh Bornstein, Head of School and primary referral contact, to discuss the prospective student’s needs and provide relevant educational records.

2. Records Review

Our admissions team reviews the student’s IEP, evaluations, academic history, behavioral information, and current supports to determine whether Wyncote Academy may be an appropriate placement.

3. Initial Interview and School Tour

Prospective students and their families are invited to meet with our team, tour the school, learn about our educational program, and discuss the student’s strengths, interests, academic needs, and social-emotional and behavioral supports.

4. Student Shadow Days

Following the initial interview and school tour, prospective students spend two shadow days at Wyncote Academy. During these visits, students participate in classes, interact with peers and staff, experience our daily routines, and become familiar with our school environment.

The shadow days provide our team with an opportunity to observe the student’s academic engagement, social interactions, response to school expectations, and individual support needs. They also allow the prospective student to experience Wyncote firsthand and determine how comfortable they feel within our school community.

When appropriate, additional shadow days or individualized supports may be arranged to ensure a thorough and fair assessment of placement appropriateness.

5. Placement Determination

Following the records review, initial interview, school tour, and shadow days, our admissions team evaluates the information gathered and communicates with the referring LEA regarding placement appropriateness, recommended supports, and next steps.

All admissions decisions are individualized and based on Wyncote Academy’s ability to meet the student’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs while maintaining a safe, supportive, and productive educational environment.

Participation in the admissions process, including shadow days, does not guarantee acceptance or placement at Wyncote Academy. Our goal is to work collaboratively with families and LEA partners to ensure that each student is provided with an appropriate educational placement and the opportunity for long-term success.

Meet Your LEA Partnership Team

Josh Bornstein

Head of School | Primary Referral Contact

Josh Bornstein serves as the primary point of contact for all school district and LEA referrals. He oversees the admissions and placement review process, collaborates with district representatives, and works with the Wyncote Academy team to determine appropriate educational placements for prospective students.

Emani Stevens

Special Education Coordinator

Emani Stevens oversees special education programming, IEP implementation, accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring. She collaborates with teachers, families, LEA representatives, and educational teams to ensure that students receive individualized instruction and appropriate educational supports.

Let’s Work Together

We welcome the opportunity to partner with your school district and discuss how Wyncote Academy can support your students.

Whether you are exploring placement options, seeking information about our program, or interested in scheduling a school tour, we encourage you to contact our Head of School.

For referrals and placement inquiries, please contact Josh Bornstein, Head of School – josh.bornstein@wyncoteacademy.org

Every Student Known. Every Student Valued. Every Student Empowered.