Bellefaire School is an accredited public school within the Cleveland Heights - University Heights City School District. Bellefaire serves students in grades 6-12 with serious emotional and behavioral difficulties. The structure, curriculum and small class size at Bellefaire allows teachers to offer their students individual attention and emotional support.

Academics

The goal of the academic program is to encourage and reward academic success and to work toward the reintegration of our students back into public school. Bellefaire follows the Cleveland Heights - University Heights standard curriculum and most of our students participate in proficiency testing. Individualized and small group instruction is stressed. In addition to core academic classes, special subject areas such as art, music, physical education, and computer skills are included in our course offerings. Title I reading services are available to those who qualify. The Bellefaire facility includes a school library, computer lab, music room, art room, full size gymnasium, and a science lab.

The Level System

The cornerstone of the Bellefaire School program is the level system. The level system is designed to encourage appropriate student conduct and promote academic excellence. Students are given behavioral and academic goals taken from their IEPs. Their daily success in meeting these goals determines their movement through the various levels in the system. With the completion of each higher level, there is a corresponding increase in expectations, responsibilities and rewards. Upon the successful completion of the first four levels, the students move to Contract Level which is designed to facilitate their movement from a structured environment to a less restricted setting.

Social Skills, Character Education and Service Learning Opportunities

A key component of Bellefaire's approach is the integration of social skills into the school's curriculum. Daily group meetings and a peer-helping approach are used to promote mature social development. In addition, Bellefaire strives to incorporate core ethical values through Character Education. Assignments, assemblies and special guest speakers are used. Finally, service learning projects provide our students with the opportunity to give back to the community. Past projects have included fundraisers for Harvest for Hunger, collections for Providence House, reading with elementary students and the planning and planting of a garden at the Homewood Residence for Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care.

Career Planning At Bellefaire School, career planning is an integral part of our educational program. Students have the opportunity to participate in the development of an individual career plan and transition plan. The Bellefaire staff includes a part time Work-Study Coordinator who works one-on-one with students employed in on and off-campus jobs. During their junior and senior year, students can earn the opportunity to attend off-campus career prep programs at the high school and elsewhere.

Other Student Opportunities Bellefaire School offers extracurricular activities as an opportunity for students to interact with others outside of the classroom. Activities include school dances, a talent show, Field Day and other special gym events. Other activities are offered as behavioral incentives. These include Ski Club, Peer Tutoring, and goal trips.

Services Students at Bellefaire have access to guidance counseling, nursing and psychological services. In addition, anger management groups and Expressive Arts are available on a student by student basis.