Extended School Year at The Graham Academy Brings Island Adventures to Life

Students at The Graham Academy are spending the summer exploring island environments, growing fresh produce, and building skills through hands-on learning.

Island Adventures Bring ESY Learning to Life

This summer’s Extended School Year (ESY) the Island Adventures, turns classrooms into destinations where students explore ocean life, cultures, and real-world experiences while strengthening academic, communication, social, behavioral, and transition skills. Staff members incorporate science, literacy, art, cooking, movement, and group activities into each weekly adventure, adapting lessons to support students’ individual learning needs.

Hands-On Learning Supports Student Growth

Rather than only reading about a topic, students take part in activities that bring each lesson to life. The interdisciplinary curriculum blends academics, special education and transition services while helping students build independence, collaborate with peers and try new experiences.

Seed-to-Table Program Builds Real-World Skills

A highlight of this year’s curriculum is the growing Seed-to-Table Program. Students plant, tend, and harvest vegetables from the school garden, then prepare them for sale at the student-run produce stand. Along the way, they practice communication, teamwork, responsibility, customer service, money management, and workplace readiness as they take produce from the garden to the community.

Art and Cooking Connect Lessons to Daily Living

Art and cooking extend each weekly adventure as students create themed projects and prepare healthy recipes with fresh garden produce whenever possible. These activities support fine motor development, communication and daily living skills while connecting classroom lessons to everyday life.

Physical Education Encourages Confidence and Independence

Daily physical education keeps students active through adaptive movement, games and fitness activities that promote strength, coordination, confidence and wellness. Across the program, students build social skills, solve problems and practice independence as they work together, try new experiences and prepare for success at home, in school and in their communities.

“At The Graham Academy, ESY is about creating experiences that inspire learning, build confidence and celebrate every student’s potential,” said Carol McGrane, regional director of The Graham Academy.