Academics

Shamrock Educational Academy is accredited by NAAS, Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. We are committed to addressing the special needs of students who have struggled in traditional school settings. We personalize our instruction, which provides each student with educational experiences that utilize his unique talents and traits. Our small teacher to student ratio allows for an individualized program, which helps each student achieve his maximum academic potential.

Our teaching staff offers a diverse background, all experienced in working with special education and behavioral students. Master level teachers work as a team to coordinate academic plans, assessment and instructional needs. Each student is evaluated individually to assess their specific needs, which may include credit recovery, remedial language arts or mathematics skills, advanced course work, study skills and the opportunity to participate in independent studies. Due to the small classroom size, as well as the unique residential setting, each student receives intensive guidance and interaction from the teaching staff.

The school offers core courses in English, Social Sciences, Laboratory Science, Mathematics and Physical Education and makes available elective courses in many other areas, including Business/Technical, Agricultural Studies, Occupational Education, Consumer Sciences and Art. Homework is expected and the daily schedule offers supervised evening study halls when teachers and tutors are available to offer individual instruction.

The academic calendar is comprised of two semesters within a 12-month period. A semester’s work in each course totals 75 hours in class, and full high school course totals 150 hours instructional time. Partial credits may be awarded depending upon a student’s date of arrival on campus and his prior academic records. 23 credits are required for a student to earn a school diploma from Shamrock Educational Academy, and must include four years of English, three years each of Math, Social Studies and Science. Students normally take six full courses each semester, and may pursue elective courses as they are offered and as a student completes requirements.

At Shamrock Educational Academy, we believe that a student needs to learn to be responsible for his education. As teachers and staff, we are mentors and coaches, rather than information givers. We expect our students to learn to work independently, to learn study, organizational and research skills, and to develop pride in their abilities.

When our students achieve success in school, and have demonstrated a consistent, respectful behavior, we offer the opportunity for them to transition into the local public school. Shamrock has worked with East Valley School District for over thirty years, and enjoys a strong relationship with the school professionals and administrators. It is our belief that offering our students the chance to achieve academic success in both a private and public school setting can help them strengthen their skills and new behaviors, as well as make the transition home easier. This philosophy has proven successful over the past thirty-eight years, and we encourage families and students to consider this option as a final step in completing Shamrock.

Some students attend Shamrock for one year, while others attend Shamrock for their entire high school career. We work with students and families to evaluate the individual needs of our students, and recommend a variety of options.

Shamrock also works with students to plan for post secondary opportunities. We have been successful in helping students choose appropriate options for post high school, including universities, junior colleges and technical colleges. Our alumni have attended Berkley University, Boston University, Humboldt University, Bemidji State College, San Diego State, North Idaho College, Utah State, University of Arizona, Arizona State, University of Oregon, Northwestern and UCLA to list a few.