Extended School Year (ESY)

MacNeal School operates on a modified school calendar.  All students accepted at MacNeal School participate in the Extended School Year (ESY).  During the standard school year, school holidays and traditional vacation breaks are observed (see MacNeal School Calendar).  Two additional breaks are provided in two-week increments, one before and one following the summer school session.  The extended school year (June through August) at MacNeal School follows the same school hours as the standard school year.  The ESY curriculum is varied and is designed to provide enrichment and/or remediation to the students; high school students’ curriculum during ESY is determined by their graduation requirements/needs.  Group and Individual Therapy services remain in tact during the summer months.  Community integration fills out the summer curriculum in the form of field trips two to three times per week as well as community service activities.  Because students are generally not out of programming for more than two weeks at a time it minimizes the loss of skills previously attained. MacNeal School believes year-round programming is critical to maintain progress and ensure the retention of skills.  All MacNeal School classrooms are air-conditioned for the comfort and health of both students and faculty.