School Profile

Teaching & Learning Model

One of our primary goals when a student is enrolled at The Academy at Sisters is to help them become invested and engaged in their learning. The Academy at Sisters school has adopted an innovative and progressive academic model, Proficiency Based Learning, that supports best practices. This teaching/learning model enables our students to become confident, invested, and proactive learners. Our academic and therapeutic teams collaboratively work with each student to develop the skills necessary to achieve their educational goals.

Standard-based grading
Personalized learning
- Creates accountability in learning
- Promotes critical thinking skills
- Authenticates learning
- Opportunity for honors level courses
Project-based curriculum with real world relevance

A teacher helping a student in the classroom at a therapeutic boarding school for girls

Our Mission

“To promote integrity and develop critical thinking in an atmosphere of positive relationships and mutual respect.”

Driving our mission, the Learning Center believes that all students are capable of being confident, self-directed, lifelong learners. The school serves students the following ways:

Year round classes
Small student to teacher ratio
Supportive classroom setting
High academic standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
College Prep
SAT Prep
Highly qualified teachers with advanced degrees
Community Service learning projects
Field trips & community service projects
Regular parent updates
Wellness curriculum supporting physical and mental health
Teacher advisor assigned to each student

Academics and educational services at The Academy at Sisters are provided by The J Bar J Learning Center.

With on-site school facilities and dedicated staff, we offer the advantages of small class sizes and a program tailored to the needs of a therapeutic boarding school population. Our school is accredited by Cognia (formerly called AdvancEd) and registered with the Oregon Dept. of Education, and the Learning Center is a contract school with the Bend/LaPine School District. We offer college prep curriculum with a focus on common core standards.

Oregon High School Graduation Requirements

Student must successfully meet the requirements for a high school diploma set forth by the State of Oregon. The Learning Center requires 26 credits to earn an academic diploma, exceeding Oregon’s minimum requirement. In addition, students are required to meet Personalized Learning requirements, including an education plan and profile, career-related experiences and application, and the Oregon essential skills.

Subject Area	Credits
Language Arts	4.0
Mathematics	3.0
Science	3.0
World Studies	1.0
US History	1.0
Government	0.5
Social Studies	0.5
Health 1	0.5
Health 2	0.5
Physical Education	1.0
Career/Tech Arts/2nd Lang	3.0
Electives	8.0
Subject Area	Credits

Transition to Public School

When students reach phase 3 in their treatment, they have the opportunity to transition to Bend High School. This allows them to practice what they’ve learned in treatment as well as take advantage of expanded course offerings and extracurricular school activities, clubs, etc. Students also may be able to attend attend classes at Central Oregon Community College.

Credit Acceptance

Credits granted by an educationally accredited agency are accepted. Likewise, credits earned at The Academy at Sisters transfer to other educational institutions.

Post-Secondary Planning

Preparation for transition to post-secondary education is provided by the academic team. SAT/ACT prep and testing is individually based and is not included in monthly tuition. We provide guidance in the college application process as well as teacher recommendations.

Some of the colleges our Academy at Sisters graduates have attended include: