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The Graham Academy

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, The Graham Academy provides individualized instruction in smaller classrooms than typical schools can provide. Our three private day schools in northeast Pennsylvania help students with exceptional needs discover their untapped potential in an inclusive, respectful, safe, and positive environment.

Our Locations

The Graham Academy of Kingston


  • Grades
    1-8
  • Phone
    570-283-0641
  • Address
    1 Institute Lane
    Kingston, PA 18704

The Graham Academy of Luzerne


  • Grades
    9-12+
  • Phone
    570-283-0641
  • Address
    469 Miller Street
    Luzerne, PA 18709

The Graham Academy of Mayfield


  • Grades
    K-12+
  • Phone
    570-283-0641
  • Address
    1300 Old Plank Road
    Mayfield, PA 18433

Through evidence-based, data-driven instruction that is aligned with your student’s strengths and IEP goals, we meet your student where they are. In other words, we do not tier your student, we tier our supports to uniquely meet your student’s exceptional needs.

The Graham Academy serves approximately 300 students across 10 counties from 40+ local school districts in northeastern Pennsylvania. Strong relationships with our students, families, and local communities are at the heart of our school.

Based on nurturing a positive peer culture, The Graham Academy utilizes a research-based behavioral modification model that cultivates pro-social behaviors and leadership skills through early interventions and tangible rewards.

Our students and families benefit from SESI’s Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that:

  • Individually support each student’s academic, behavioral, and emotional needs
  • Prevent barriers to learning in our classroom environments
  • Connect our team with students, staff, families and district partners to ensure the growth of essential skills outside of the classroom setting

By recognizing the unique value and talent of each student, celebrating their daily successes, and building strong relationships with them and their families, we help students who haven’t been able to thrive in a regular classroom setting shine bright at school, at home, and in their communities.

Our Mission

We educate students living with autism and students living with emotional challenges to excel in life through communication, exploration, opportunity, acceptance, accountability, and ambition.

Community Engagement

The local and regional communities we serve are the wind in our sails. We love opening our doors to our students, their families, and the entire community for events that celebrate the journeys and achievements of our amazing students. 

A few of our celebrations and events include: 

  • World Discovery Day
  • Talent Show
  • Art Show
  • Science Fair
  • Seasonal Celebrations

These interactive events help our students establish and nurture connections within our community. Thank you for showing up—in ways big and small—for The Graham Academy community.

Our History

Deeply rooted in the northeast Pennsylvania community, The Graham Academy was founded in 2008 to provide a distinctive educational experience for students in grades 1-6. Over the years, we’ve grown to accommodate countless families and their students on their individual education journeys. Today, we serve students in grades K-12—and offer an adult prep program—from three campuses in Kingston, Luzerne, and Mayfield. 

Discover What Sets The Graham Academy Apart

Our Learning Pathways

  • Spring: Instruction and Life Skills

    Spring: Instruction and Life Skills

    Students We Serve

    • Students with learning disabilities, autism, or communication delays
    • Learners preparing for adulthood with support needs in academics and life skills
    • Students who benefit from structured routines, repetition, and visuals
    Spring Student Profiles
  • Bloom: Functional Communication and Daily Living

    Bloom: Functional Communication and Daily Living

    Students We Serve

    • Students with significant cognitive and/or physical impairments who are nonverbal or minimally verbal
    • Learners who need close support with communication, transitions, and self-care
    • Students who thrive in calm, structured, sensory-friendly environments
    Bloom Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

  • Optimized Learning Environments​

    Optimized Learning Environments​

    Our special education classrooms are strategically designed to allow students to focus on building critical life and communication skills, while our grade-level classrooms help alternative education students make up lost ground and prepare for a transition back to district classrooms, and ultimately graduation.

  • Tailored Programs

    Tailored Programs

    We carefully assess unique student needs and then craft personalized programs that allow each student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Progress is continuously monitored, ensuring key milestones are met and celebrated.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.
  • Corey serves as the Education Director at The Graham Academy Kingston and Luzerne, a K-12 center-based special education program for students living with autism and emotional challenges. Corey began his journey with The Graham Academy in 2015 as a teacher assistant. Through his dedication to student success and passion for inclusive education, he advanced to roles as a classroom teacher and later as the special education coordinator before stepping into his current leadership position.

    Corey holds a Pennsylvania teaching certificate in special education and brings a wealth of classroom and administrative experience to his work. His focus remains on building strong instructional practices, supporting staff development, and ensuring that every student at The Graham Academy receives an individualized, meaningful education.

  • Dyhesha_Reid-Paul_TOY_Headshot

    Dyhesha Reid-Paul believes every interaction is an opportunity for learning, growth, and shared understanding.

    Guided by the principle of “each one, teach one,” she creates a classroom environment where students are encouraged to share their experiences, insights, and skills with others.

    She supports students by modeling strategies, building confidence, and helping them recognize the value of what they can contribute.

    Through this approach, Dyhesha fosters continuous learning, peer support, and positive growth both inside and beyond the classroom.

  • Harold-Ash-Headshot

    Harold Ash believes that consistency and determination are essential to student success.

    He supports his classroom by showing up each day with a steady presence that helps students feel secure and ready to learn.

    Harold remains committed during challenging moments and encourages students to keep moving forward academically and personally.

    His reliability, perseverance, and dedication make him a valued source of support for both students and staff.

  • Carol McGrane serves as the Regional Director for The Graham Academy’s Northeast Region, providing leadership and oversight for the Kingston, Luzerne, and Mayfield campuses. With more than 30 years of experience in education, leadership, and student services, Carol is dedicated to creating learning environments where students with autism and social and emotional support challenges are empowered to achieve meaningful success.

    Carol’s educational background includes studies in English Education, Special Education, and Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision, providing her with a strong foundation in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and educational best practices. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to continuous professional growth, believing that lifelong learning is essential to effective leadership and exceptional educational programming.

    As Regional Director, Carol oversees educational programming, staff development, behavioral supports, district partnerships, compliance, family engagement, and strategic planning across the Northeast Region. She is passionate about mentoring educators, building collaborative teams, and creating systems that promote consistency, accountability, and excellence across all Graham Academy campuses.

    A strong advocate for collaboration, Carol works closely with public school districts, universities, community organizations, and families to expand educational opportunities and strengthen services for students with diverse learning needs. Her leadership emphasizes innovation, relationship-building, and creating pathways that help students achieve greater independence and success.

    Throughout her career, Carol has been recognized for her commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. Under her leadership, The Graham Academy has expanded programming, strengthened district partnerships, and received recognition for its impact on students and families, including being honored with the Times Leader Best of the Best Gold Award for Special Education Schools. She has also led successful community initiatives, including regional autism awareness events, student leadership experiences, and partnerships that connect students with higher education institutions and local organizations.

    Carol’s leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership and the belief that exceptional schools are built through strong relationships, high expectations, and unwavering advocacy for students. She encourages educators to lead with compassion, embrace innovation, and continuously seek opportunities for growth while ensuring that every decision is guided by one central question:
    “Is this in the best interest of our students?”

    Outside of her professional role, Carol values her family and commitment to community service. She believes education is about far more than academics—it is about helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, develop independence, and create meaningful lives.

    Through compassionate leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Carol continues to inspire educators, empower students, and strengthen communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania, ensuring that every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

  • Thomas-Nallon-Headshot-SOY

    Thomas Nallon believes every student deserves a fulfilling learning environment that prepares them to face life with confidence.

    He meets students without judgment and encourages them to reengage at a level that feels manageable.

    By using gentle humor, playfulness, and personal interests, Thomas helps students move from disengagement toward connection and participation.

    He is committed to helping students make the most of each opportunity while building a stronger sense of belonging and purpose.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • He Comes Home Saying He Loves School

    My sons enjoys school and comes homes saying that he loves school. He has only been here for a few months but he has been in the talent show singing and the art show and he loved them. I am sending his younger twin siblings too. I am sure they will love it as he does.

    AnnMarie O.

Events & Stories

  • Students and staff gather around a black-and-white goat during an outdoor learning activity.

    Graham Academy Goats Become Campus Companions

    The Graham Academy goats, Claude and Fergus, are bringing hands-on learning, connection, and new excitement to the Mayfield campus.
    July 20, 2026
  • Students and staff holding fresh vegetables harvested through The Graham Academy’s Seed-to-Table Program.

    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…
    July 2, 2026
  • Collage of students participating in a science experiment with ice cubes and salt during hands-on science fair projects at Graham Academy.

    Hands-On Science Fair Projects at Graham Academy

    Students Explore Interactive Science Activities In April, students in Classroom 8 at The Graham Academy of Mayfield took part in…
    May 11, 2026

FAQ’s

  • SESI schools serve students with a wide range of special education needs, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. We support students who need a more structured, individualized educational environment to succeed. Our schools are designed to help K–12 students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) reach their academic, social, and emotional goals through personalized instruction, positive behavior supports, and a safe, supportive setting.

  • Parents can expect a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where their child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. SESI schools partner closely with families and school districts to provide customized academic instruction, behavior support, and related services. Regular communication, goal setting, and progress monitoring ensure that families stay informed and engaged in their child’s success.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

Contact The Graham Academy