The typical Katherine Thomas School high school student is of average intelligence or higher but has moderate to severe language and learning disabilities, and/or high functioning autism. These students need support, resources and individualized instruction.  The student body includes those who with specialized help can expect to attend college as well as students who expect to transition into employment after completing high school.

Team Approach

Our teaching staff of specialists includes special educators, teacher assistants, transition service teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers and counselors.  Working together as a multi-disciplinary team, they provide highly integrated programs with a unique blend of educational and therapeutic services.  The staff-to-student ratio is 1:3.

Academic Curriculum

Through a hands-on multi-sensory approach, each of the students receives instruction in the full range of high school courses mandated by the State of Maryland for earning a diploma, including math, science, history, English, PE, health, and technology.  In addition, students earn elective credits in art, music, drama, Spanish, reading, and computer-related and vocational cluster courses.

Career and Technology Education

For students who do not expect to attend college, the school offers training and classes geared toward helping them transition into the world of work. The three vocational components being offered on-site are restaurant management, office technology, and childcare.  Other, off-site opportunities are available as well. 

Transition Services

Working closely with a transition support teacher, students are exposed to a variety of work opportunities through job shadowing, internships, job try-outs and jobs that will build their skills.  All students, whether entering the workforce, attending college or a technical school, receive transitional services to prepare for post-secondary opportunities, that may include a comprehensive vocational assessment.  Educational options, career preparation, and independent living skills are addressed.  College counseling is provided to assist students in choosing the appropriate program and school.

• Staff assist students in discovering their learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses, and then teach them practical approaches for studying, time-management, self-advocacy, interpersonal relationships, and independence.

• Computers, multi-media equipment, and assistive technology bring excitement to learning, help students compensate for motor and processing difficulties, and prepare them for the world of tomorrow.

• Community service activities expose the students to the value of assisting others within the community, while improving decision-making and leadership skills.
• Extra-curricular activities are available to Katherine Thomas School high school students including sports, the drama club, and the chess club.  Students can run for office in the student government, become a peer mediator, and/or help to operate the school store.

The staff includes special education teachers, teacher assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapist, social workers, psychologists, special subject teachers (art, music, drama, physical education, restaurant management, and child development), a library technician, and a health room technician.

Rhona Schwartz, M.A., High School Director
Gwenn Blau, M.S., High School Education Director
Delma Benjamin, Administrative Assistant
 

Admission applications may be submitted at anytime for the following school year or for any openings that may occur during the school year. Please call our Admissions Coordinator at 301.738.9691, ext. 193 to schedule a visit at our school, or to have an admissions package sent to you. You may also access the admissions applications for high school below. 

• High School Admissions Application

A Letter From Jay’s Mom...

It was 13 ½ years ago that I first stepped foot in this building then TLC. I had a small, quite adorable, little sweet 3½ year old boy with me, who now you know as Jay. He was here for OT testing and afterward the OT said we are starting this school I think it would be perfect for him… and the rest as they say is history!

That boy is now 17 and doing things, like learning chemistry and geometry, that when he was four and diagnosed with Fragile X no one thought he would ever do. I have been here a long time too, as a parent, on the board, teaching, coaching, and writing IEP’s and as I have been looking around these last couple of days, seeing all the accomplishments of all the students and staff, the holiday show which has become nothing short of miraculous, (note the first time I asked why don’t you do a holiday show, the answer was our kids can’t handle that, please… ) as I look and see these students that I love and have the opportunity to work every day in a place that I can laugh and hope and dream it brings tears to my eyes and the emotion is too great (no I am not hormonal) but maybe just a tad sentimental this time of year. Katherine Thomas School has grown into a real school and has a lasting force which has built a community of people who say - yes we can and give confidence and hope to students and families who may have heard otherwise in other places.

So my holiday wishes for all of you this year cannot be wrapped in pretty packages, or come in bright red envelopes or be in glasses filled with cheer, this year I am left to give you only my heartfelt thank you, thank you for working with students and helping them realize their potential, thank you for working with me and helping me realize mine, and most of all without any doubt thank you for all you have done for Jay, those who work with him now, those who have worked with him in the past, and those who have just refrained from thinking he is crazy.

Have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

Judy
 

Alex's Story

It is hard to believe that our son Alex is just a few months away from earning his high school diploma from KTS. His KTS experience began twelve years ago as a first grader, so it seems surreal that it is nearly time to say goodbye to his second home and his second family. We knew early on that Alex needed something more than what was offered in our public schools. Like most KTS students, Alex has multiple special needs – ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, fine motor skill delays, and short term memory problems, all of which contribute to his executive dysfunction. Alex went to another private school in kindergarten that assured us they could meet his special needs. But by the spring of that year, they told us we needed to search for another school. That search led us to KTS.

Alex loved KTS immediately. The warm, nurturing staff did not dwell on his weaknesses. Like all of his teachers since, they focused on Alex's strengths. Alex quickly learned that it was okay to tell his teachers he needed help with his work. He knew they would help him, rather than make him feel badly for not knowing the answers. His teachers' attitudes helped him develop great self esteem, which was one of many gifts KTS gave to Alex that will serve him well throughout his life. KTS' related services staff have also had an enormous impact on Alex's life. For most of his lower and middle school years, Alex received occupational therapy at KTS to address his fine motor skill needs. Today, Alex is an avid guitar player, which never would have been possible without the years of therapy he received every day at KTS.  In fact, KTS has made so many things possible in Alex's life. These are just a few examples of the kind of person Alex has become because of KTS.

Alex is full of self-confidence. Last summer, he decided he wanted to learn to play lacrosse. Despite not knowing anyone else, Alex joined a local team and had a great time playing. Alex also wanted to share his love of music with friends, so he asked some of his classmates to form a band. They have been playing together for a couple of years. He has enough confidence to sing and perform in front of an audience. Without KTS, Alex never would have had the courage to do all of this. KTS also taught Alex to root for the underdog. Alex played basketball with Special Olympics for several years. As one of the more skilled players on the team, he could have scored frequently. Instead, Alex often chose to give the ball to other players on his team – and sometimes the other team – so everyone could experience the joy of scoring for their team.
Tourette syndrome has always caused Alex to make tick noises that can be embarrassing for him. But at KTS, no one ever judged him or made him feel badly. As a result, Alex has become an extremely compassionate person who accepts other people for who they are and never focuses on their differences.

To prepare Alex for his future, KTS' internship program provided Alex with real world work experience at a local radio station and an auto repair shop. Today, Alex has two part time jobs at a local ice rink and a popular mall clothing store. Both jobs require Alex to interact with the public, skills he learned at KTS that will serve him well after he leaves our very special school. As parents, what we value the most about KTS is that is a safe place for Alex and his friends. No one is ridiculed because they are different. The kids are made to feel successful for who they are and learn to be strong self-advocates. They are part of a community. Their teachers are full of energy, passion and compassion for them. KTS has forever changed Alex's life and ours, and we will be forever grateful.