Residential Program

The Summit School at Nyack’s residential program is designed to allow students to develop the tools and skills necessary to be independent, successful, and fulfilled individuals. We focus on creating authentic experiences that mimic the circumstances students will find themselves in after they leave Summit.

Summit’s residential program is most effective when students are active participants in their own social and emotional development. We recognize that although all residential students are voluntarily placed at Summit, the transition to living away from home can be a trying experience for some. We make every effort to provide a feeling of comfort and warmth for residential services.

Keeping with our goal of providing a real world experience, Summit students are allowed personal electronics and other comforts of home, when appropriate.

The residence program is staffed by a group of dedicated, patient, and experienced counselors, most of whom who have made career long commitments to the Summit community. Focusing on teaching skills, reinforcing expectations, and actively acknowledging positive behaviors, the staff helps guide students towards good decisions in the present, and the creation of a healthy and adaptable approach to life.

Home Visits

Social workers maintain contact and provide support to family members to establish effective home rules and predictable responses to problematic circumstances. Parents are empowered to make the decision for home visitation, thus demonstrating to their children that they are ready and capable of making decisions that are in their child’s best interest. Confidence for both the students and families builds up through repeated home visits, ultimately setting the stage for a successful transition back to home when the time comes for graduation or a return to the local school district.

At times, home visits are not practical or appropriate for Summit students. Students may hold local jobs, have far to travel, or not yet be in the position to experience success while at home. Students remaining at Summit on weekends or school breaks enjoy the ability to interact with a smaller group of students. A modified recreational schedule is maintained throughout these time periods, as well as additional free time on campus that is typically enjoyed in adolescence.