JTC Academy was founded in direct response to the urgent need for an educational model that integrates rigorous academics with comprehensive therapeutic programming. We serve youth experiencing significant mental health and behavioral challenges—often externalized through aggressive, disruptive, or unsafe behaviors—that have led to repeated suspensions, expulsions, or placements that only address part of their needs.
Too often, these students fall through the cracks of traditional systems, setting the stage for academic failure, social disconnection, and eventual involvement with the justice system. Research consistently shows that without early, intensive, and individualized interventions, these youth face bleak outcomes—including chronic instability, homelessness, and incarceration.
At JTC Academy, we interrupt that cycle. We provide a highly structured, trauma-informed environment where students are supported academically, emotionally, and behaviorally—giving them the tools they need to stabilize, grow, and ultimately succeed.
Where Therapeutic Support Meets Academic Success
Technology
Students at JTC Academy receive cutting-edge, trauma-informed, evidence-based instruction delivered by licensed educators. Instruction is aligned to each student’s IEP and infused with therapeutic supports to promote both academic and emotional growth. Technology is integrated throughout the school day—including Smart Boards and Google Classroom—to enhance engagement, improve access to curriculum, and support diverse learning needs within a safe, structured environment.
What Sets JTC Academy Apart
-
JTC Academy stands out among non-public therapeutic day schools through our integrated, evidence-based approach that blends strong academic foundations with comprehensive therapeutic supports. As a certified PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school, we emphasize positive reinforcement and structured behavioral interventions that are tracked consistently throughout the school day.
-
Our curriculum is aligned with Common Core standards and delivered through evidence-based instructional practices supported by cutting-edge technology—including Chromebooks and Smart Boards in every classroom. Instruction is led by licensed special education teachers and supported by highly trained paraprofessionals and PBIS-certified counselors. In addition, we have a full-time registered nurse/school nurse on staff, CPI-trained personnel, and access to one of Illinois’ most well-respected child and adolescent psychiatrists for students requiring clinical intervention.
-
Every student’s behavioral and therapeutic plan is data-driven, proactive, and individualized, ensuring their needs are met with consistency and care. And at a time when transportation is a major barrier across districts, JTC Academy continues to provide reliable student transportation—removing yet another obstacle to educational access.
-
This full-circle approach makes JTC Academy not just a placement—but a partner—in your district’s commitment to serving students with intensive needs.
Built-In Support, Every Step of the Day
Special education classrooms may serve up to ten (10) students with a minimum of one (1) licensed special education teacher and one (1) licensed paraprofessional. At JTC Academy, we intentionally maintain smaller class sizes—typically 5 to 8 students per classroom—with one to two paraprofessionals alongside a licensed special education teacher. Additionally, our robust staffing model includes support staff stationed in classrooms, hallways, and common areas throughout the building, allowing us to maintain an approximate 3:1 student-to-staff ratio. This level of staffing ensures individualized support, enhanced safety, and a structured therapeutic learning environment.
Transportation
We provide transportation within a 30-mile radius of our location. We will pick-up/drop-off students in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and the entire Metro East. Our bus drivers are properly licensed to transport students to and from school in our new fleet of buses.
