HIGHLAND TERRACE ELEMENTARY

Blended Program Information

Highland Terrace Elementary is proud of our “blending” program, which serves as a special education model where general education and special needs students share portions of their day together.  As a district-wide magnet program for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities, Highland Terrace serves students in grades K-5 with a variety of challenges impacting physical development, communication, and/or daily living skills.  Blending occurs for a portion of the school day, which includes lunch, music, library, PE, recess, art, field trips, assemblies, special school events, and some academic subjects. Highland Terrace has three blended classrooms:

• Our K-1 grade class blends with a general education 1st grade class.
• Our 2-3 grade class blends with a general education 3rd grade class.
• Our 4-5 grade class blends with a general education 5th grade class.

Staff ratios are typically one adult to two or three students. Each class is managed by a certificated teacher with the assistance of paraeducators.  For health and safety reasons, some of the students in our program have dedicated 1:1 aides.  

Highland Terrace believes there are numerous benefits of the Blended Program at our school. The program provides opportunities for social-emotional growth and confidence building for all children.  By learning from each other, students and staff develop acceptance, empathy, and relationships that strengthen our community.