High School

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The purpose and intent of the LDI High School program is to provide an innovative pathway toward students receiving standard, regular high school diplomas — not certificates of attendance or IEP diplomas. The high school program does not restrict or limit personal growth and development to only academic pursuits. In addition to academic curriculum and methodologies, students have the opportunity to concurrently gain work experience, begin to plan a career, take some college classes, experience independent-living, assume some financial responsibilities AND earn a high school diploma at the same time!

The LDI high school program is dedicated to helping older adolescents and young adults struggling with learning disabilities, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome or related conditions. The emphasis is directed to remove the often demoralizing effects of years of school failure. The process is through providing students instruction, “real world” experience and tools needed to lead meaningful, productive and independent lives. The two-year program, which mirrors the (post-secondary program), includes a supportive campus and residential community that gives individuals the education, skills and training they need to live independently.

By offering a high school program in a community-based environment, the LDI gives students a chance to feel and experience independence, and instill in them a desire to succeed. The unique residential setting gives program participants the opportunity to live in an apartment community with a minimum of staff supervision and a moderate amount of structure. LDI is part of the community, not an “island”. The usual limitation of most residential or boarding school situations is that they are “sheltered” or “institutional” in their orientation. At LDI, the setting is an upscale apartment complex in the community — not a dormitory, institutional setting, or group home.

The curriculum emphasizes performance-based learning processes leading to increased scholastic success. In addition, and equally important, is the course of action promoting the development of self-determination, self-directedness and personal confidence. All the programs at the LDI underline development of healthy relationships and pursuit of career pathways.

The LDI high school curriculum and program has full accreditation through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and is approved as a private special education school through the Arizona Department of Education.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of all class projects, academic or other assignments, and related work

• Completion of 120 days of continuous competitive employment

• Engaging and participation in financial planning with at least $1,000 in savings from verified paycheck stubs from employment

• Completion and formal presentation of a career plan.  The career plan combines vocational assessments, field exploration targeting individual career education, training, and employment requirements.

Students who successfully meet the Institute’s graduation requirements earn a diploma recognized by colleges, postsecondary training programs, the military, or employers. It is truly a “passport” into the adult world and moving toward independent living.