Postsecondary Education
The future is now.
What does the future look like for an Ivy Street student?
They are steering their own ship. They are empowered as young adults. They are prepared for the next step in life.
In our postsecondary and transition program, students engage in real-world learning in all aspects of their education. The tailored curriculum targets each student’s goals for their own life, so that they are prepared to step into adulthood with the tools needed to achieve their greatest independence.
The Ivy Street School was one of the first schools to develop a separate transition program focused on independent living, social skills, meaningful relationships, career development, and self-direction. As leaders in the field, we provide an intensive, immersive, community-based experience preparing students for life. In addition to class time, many students require jobs and internships, and enroll in postsecondary education at local colleges and universities.
Students enrolled in our postsecondary program engage in learning that is highly individualized to their own goals. When students graduate Ivy Street, they go in many different directions. Our role is to support them in finding that direction and developing the tools they need to get there.
Course Catalog
- Business
- Financial Literacy
- Social Mechanics
- Writing Skills
- Culinary Arts
- Community Navigation
- Skills for Independent Living
- Resources and Networking
- Career Development
- Life After Graduation
Click through a sample schedule of an Ivy Street postsecondary student:
Advisory
Each day begins with Advisory. Students trickle into the classroom. Some have walked over from CFP, some are getting off their school buses, and others have driven themselves to school. As students join class for the morning, they greet their teachers and each other.
In our postsecondary program, students’ days usually look quite different from each other. Each student’s work towards their own goals brings them in many different directions: jobs, internships, college classes, meetings… the list goes on. For every student, though, Advisory is a time to connect as a community and organize for the day ahead.
Financial Literacy
In our postsecondary program, real-world skills are the name of the game. Instead of a math class focused on algebra or geometry, our postsecondary students take Financial Literacy. In class, they learn the essential money skills that most adults wish they learned in high school: how to budget and save money, and how to manage your personal financial needs on a daily basis.
Culinary
The class moves to the kitchen for culinary class. Led by our Culinary Instructors, the class focuses on real cooking skills that students can take with them – for use at home or on the job.
Many of our students are employed by the Ivy Street kitchen as Culinary Assistants. They report to weekly shifts in the kitchen, helping prepare school meals and supporting the culinary team with all aspects of their work. For these students, culinary class is a great time to practice their cooking skills and show off their knowledge!
College Course at MassBay
Many of our postsecondary students choose to enroll in courses at nearby community colleges. These institutions offer a wide variety of courses, allowing our students to explore their educational and career interests. Many students take this opportunity to determine whether college is a path they want to pursue in the future.
Our Transition and Community Coordinator often travels to MassBay with students. She is available to support them however they need; students may ask her to join them in class, or just help with finding the right building. During her Office Hours back at Ivy Street, students can check in about homework and projects, and work together to problem-solve any challenges that arise.
Meeting with Vocational Counselor
Back at Ivy Street, postsecondary students often have several meetings to work into their schedule. Many students work with a Vocational Counselor who supports them in all aspects of working.
With their Vocational Counselor, students may work on building a resume, identifying and applying to jobs, and preparing for interviews. If they are employed, they might work with their counselor to reflect on the job, troubleshoot any challenges, and identify goals for their work.
Life After Graduation
In Life After Graduation class, students get to consider what life will look like after Ivy. Together with their teacher, they explore options and dream big about the future – while also thinking about the many small logistics that go into planning.
For some students, Life After Graduation is a time to get organized. What documents should adults have on hand? What community services will you want to be connected with after you graduate? Other students spend the time looking into career or college options. For everyone, it’s a time to think ahead with the support of the Ivy Postsecondary community.
“Ivy Street has provided me with confidence and the ability to make a plan for adult life.”
Ivy Street School Student