Academics & Electives

We draw upon the expertise of our educators and work together to create models of outstanding achievement in every classroom. Through implementing high-quality instructional materials and transforming the academic culture in our schools, we challenge and inspire our students to thrive in the world. With a wide variety of academics and enrichment opportunities aligned with state standards, we support students in unlocking their potential as they extend their skills and talents beyond the classroom. Our core curriculum includes:

· English Language Arts - We are committed to nurturing and developing a strong literacy foundation for all students in the early school years by implementing literacy instructional frameworks that prepare students to become independent readers and writers.

· Math - The mathematics curriculum seeks to ensure mathematical competence and confidence in students in mathematics-rich classroom environments.

· Science - Classroom experiences in science are connected to real-world phenomena and provide opportunities to engage in science and engineering practices through exposure to STEM-related career pathways.

· Social Studies - Students gain the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and core democratic values necessary for fulling their civic duties in a participatory democracy and effectively engaging in our global society.

Electives

Students at JLWC will engage in an individualized program that combines developmental aquatics and therapy depending on the students cognitive and physical function. By using cups, straws, hula hoops, noodles, mittens, etc., students will be assessed on basic motor development in the aquatic environment. Our goal is to engage students in sensory movement, socialization, normalization, and enjoyment.
The mission of the Jerry L White Center Physical Education program is to promote, through a variety of planned activities, each student’s optimum physical, mental, emotional and social development, and should provide activities and sports that all students enjoy and can pursue throughout their lives. “Health is to the body what wisdom is to the mind.” At Jerry L. White we adhere to APENS National Standards and SHAPE Michigan Standards to ensure that our students have the best Physical Education possible. We believe in inclusion as we participate in moderation with Renaissance High School students to further develop the social, emotional and physical well-being of all students.
The Jerry L. White Center Commercial Foods program provides knowledge and skills to prepare our exceptional students for further education and career opportunities in the hospitality industry. The Commercial Foods students learn problem-solving skills, work attitudes , technical and occupation-specific skills, as well as knowledge of all aspects of the equipment used to run a commercial foods kitchen. The content includes but is not limited to preparation, presentation, and serving of a wide variety of foods, leadership, communication skills , and safe/efficient work practices.