Middle School Summer Programs

The Joy School summer programs are open to all students with learning differences in the Greater Houston area.

The Joy School believes in building areas of weakness while celebrating areas of strength. Our summer Middle School model is designed so that students can pick and choose classes based on their individual needs.

All academic based classes are taught by highly trained Joy School Learning Specialists. Our instructors’ experience throughout the school year and their intensive training provide them with the tools required to meet a range of student needs.

Our teachers embrace and appreciate students who learn differently.

Admissions

Admissions decisions are based on our belief that we can provide meaningful instruction to address a child's particular needs.

This decision will be based on testing reports, parent descriptions and teacher recommendation forms submitted during the application process. Some students may be asked to participate in a brief interview session to ensure we fully understand their needs.

Placement

In general, students will be grouped based on a combination of factors, including chronological age, current developmental level and current school placement. Class sizes average eight students per teacher, depending on the needs of the students. All curriculum planning decisions will be based on the needs of the students within each group.

A common question asked by parents is, how do I get my child excited about attending summer school? The name "The Joy School" embodies what we try to provide for all students every day: joy in learning! Yes, we work hard, and we have fun doing it.

Program participants and their parents have told us that attending summer programs at TJS doesn't feel like school.

Some kids say they learn more during their short time at The Joy School than they do the entire year at their current school.

We believe the difference is having teachers who embrace and appreciate students who learn differently and classmates who share similar needs.

Students find acceptance, gain confidence and realize they are not alone when they work alongside others who also need extra support.

Students who are enrolled in a morning class ending at 12:00 and are enrolled in an afternoon class beginning at 12:30 are welcome to stay on campus for lunch.

• Application Fee: $150 - due upon application
• Tuition - due upon acceptance

The Application Fee is nonrefundable and must be received with the completed application. This covers the time involved in reviewing applications, interviewing parents and students, if necessary, and contacting outside professionals.

Tuition is due upon acceptance for all students.

*Program pricing does not include the $150 application fee. The application fee is per applicant, not per class.

1. All payments must be received upon acceptance. Students may not attend classes until paid in full.

2. Payment of tuition is for the entire program session, regardless of how many days the student attends class. No tuition refunds will be made.

3. Punctuality is extremely important, as there are no make-up dates available for this program.

4. Students must be picked up on-time. There will be a $15 late charge for every fifteen-minute increment beyond dismissal time that a student is left at the School.

5. Students are expected to comply with all classroom and school rules. Any child deemed to be disruptive to the learning environment or dangerous to others will be dismissed immediately without refund.

6. Students should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for a school setting. Open toe and backless shoes are not allowed.

7. All students who attend group programs at The Joy School are required to adhere to our Immunization Policy.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Joy School admits students of any race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other status protected by the law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs.

If you cannot afford to pay the full Summer Program cost, we may be able to award you a small discount if you qualify. As part of the review process, Abbie Gittinger, The Joy School’s Director of Finance and Accounting, will request personal information on why you think you might qualify, such as household income, etc.

You can contact Ms. Gittinger at agittinger@thejoyschool.org. Once Ms. Gittinger receives your request, she will contact you within 48 hours to begin the review.