The Aurora School

The Orion Program

The Orion program offers a 1:1 or 1:1.5 staff-to-student ratio for early, intermediate, and advanced learners on an academic or an independent living curriculum. All students have an individualized academic program that is designed to best meet each student’s needs. Most academic programs follow the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) curriculum. Others may follow curriculum options such as SRA reading, Distar math, A to Z, Edmark, Language for Learning, Teaching Language, Reading Milestones and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) hierarchy. Students on an independent living curriculum focus on communication [either verbally, with sign language, individualized visual supports or with picture exchange. Staff use Applied Behavior Analysis following the teaching procedures from the work of B.F. Skinner. Orion offers a six-hour and fifteen minute school day. Orion is a year-round (twelve-month) program that serves elementary-age students (5-13 years old) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The Orion program also offers related services of Speech and Occupational Therapy as needed. License to operate from the Virginia Board of Education.

The Launch Program

The Launch program offers a 1:1 or 1:1.5 staff-to-student ratio utilizing the Applied Behavior Analysis methodology and follow the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). In addition, the Launch program also offers a variety of programming options which include SRA Reading, Distar Math, A to Z, Edmark, Language for Learning, Teaching Language, Reading Milestones and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) hierarchy. With these curriculum options our students may also have access to the general education curriculum as appropriate. Launch also uses the ABA methodology to teach an independent living skills curriculum, helping students become independent in self-care. Launch offers a six and one quarter hour school day that may include. Launch is a year-round (12-month) program that serves middle-and high-school students (14-22 years old) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The Launch program also offers related services of Speech and Occupational Therapy as needed. License to operate from the Virginia Board of Education.

***All programs, curriculums and activities are chosen on an individual basis according to the needs of each individual student***