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B.E.S.T. Academy

With small classroom sizes and individualized instruction, B.E.S.T. Academy is a private day school designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth. We believe that every student has the desire to succeed—both in school and in their communities—and it’s our mission to provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to do so.

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School Info

Address

5 Barnes Industrial Park Road
Wallingford, CT 06492

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Grades
K-12, Adult Prep Program

Phone
1-203-284-0441

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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B.E.S.T. Academy helps students and families uncover untapped potential through individualized support, academic rigor, and small, structured classroom settings. We build strong connections with our students in a nurturing, respectful, safe, and positive learning environment while providing evidence-based, data-driven instruction.

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.

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

  • Strong relationships with our students, families, and community partners are our highest priority. Together, we shine a bright light on the possibility and untapped potential of every B.E.S.T. Academy student.

    Related services offered at this school include BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), occupational therapy, social work services, speech-language therapy, transition and life skills program tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets B.E.S.T. Academy Apart

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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.

  • 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.

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  • Melissa has been a dedicated member of BEST Academy since 2015, beginning her journey as a paraprofessional before advancing to the roles of teacher and operations manager. With over 20 years of experience in the field of special education, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and commitment to her work.

    She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a teaching certificate in special education. In 2024, she earned her 092 Administrator Certification from the State of Connecticut and completed her degree in educational leadership at Southern Connecticut State University. Melissa finds the greatest joy in celebrating victories—big or small—with her students and their families. She is dedicated to supporting student success by addressing individual needs and guiding each learner toward independence and achievement in a way that honors their unique goals and potential.

  • Victoria holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and has more than 10 years of experience in education. She began her career in education as a paraprofessional, where she built a strong foundation working closely with students and educators. She later transitioned into a teaching role, further developing her passion for supporting students of all abilities. Today, Victoria serves as operations manager—a role that allows her to contribute to the success of the school on a broader scale while staying connected to the core of her work: the students.

    Throughout her career, Victoria has been continually inspired by the resilience, creativity, and unique perspectives of the students she serves. She is particularly dedicated to better supporting students with special needs, ensuring that every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in an empowering environment.

    Her commitment to education is more than just a profession—it’s a calling rooted in empathy, growth, and meaningful connections.

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.

  • The school’s reports are thorough and always reach me in a timely manner.

    Judy P.
View All School Testimonials

Events & Stories

  • School Events and Stories

    Read Across America Week at BEST Academy
    In the beginning of March, BEST Academy celebrated Read Across America Week, a nationally recognized celebration of reading and storytelling. Throughout the…
    March 20, 2025
  • Staff Spotlight
    School Events and Stories

    Celebrating a Decade of Impact
    This fall marks Jennifer Johnson’s 10th anniversary with High Road Schools of Connecticut and B.E.S.T. Academy. Johnson knew from an…
    March 13, 2025
  • Student Spotlight

    B.E.S.T. Academy Student of the Month November 2024 Marco G
    Marco G was nominated for B.E.S.T. Academy’s Student of the Month for the month of November. Across this month, Marco…
    December 5, 2024

Resources

  • Articles
    School Events and Stories

    20 Days of Fun and Learning ESY 2025
    Highlights from Our Extended School Year (ESY) The Extended School Year (ESY) was packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable fun!…
  • Articles
    School Events and Stories

    Donuts, Diplomas, and Determination: Celebrating Summer Graduates
    Summer School Becomes a Second Chance for Excel Students For a group of students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia, this…
  • News
    School Events and Stories

    Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco
    Celebrating an Incredible Educator: Mary Rico Named 2025 Teacher of the Year We’re thrilled to congratulate Mary Rico, an extraordinary…

FAQ’s

  • If you work at a school district and want to learn more about our school and the referral process, the next step is to contact us directly. We’ll provide detailed information about our programs, answer your questions, and set-up a time for you to come tour our program.

  • We individualize the learning experience by creating a tailored plan for each student based on their unique strengths, needs, and goals. This includes personalized instruction, behavioral support, and regular progress monitoring to ensure growth academically, socially, and emotionally. By collaborating closely with families and school districts, we provide a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

  • 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.

  • You can schedule a tour by calling our office or filling out the contact form on our website. Our team will work with you to find a convenient time for your visit.

  • We take a holistic approach to education, integrating academic instruction with behavioral support. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and our experienced staff uses evidence-based strategies and high-leverage practices to help students build confidence, self-regulation skills, and positive relationships.

Contact B.E.S.T. Academy