ACADEMIC
PHILOSOPHY
ACCREDIDATION
Customized
College-Prepatory Academics
Through our partnership with Lydian Academy, students have access to college-preparatory coursework in a way that is responsive to their individual needs. Students engage in coursework while at the Actias Classrooms at Foothill College.
Lydian teachers, experienced in supporting anxiety, learning differences, and nontraditional learners, engage each student in appropriate college-prep academics while Actias support staff are present to provide attuned, real-time support. This support includes helping students regulate, take breaks when needed, build executive functioning skills, and stay engaged in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. The result is a structure that allows students to access more traditional academics without the overwhelm of a traditional classroom environment.
As students are ready, they may concurrently enroll in additional Foothill College courses aligned with their interests, strengths, and future goals. All students may earn college credit through select physical education and wellness-based courses, such as hiking and movement classes. Actias staff work closely with students to support them in these classes and help them build confidence in a college environment.
A Foundation Built Beyond the Classroom
The outdoor experiential learning Nature course is a cornerstone of the Actias experience. Each day, students spend meaningful time outside engaging in ecological learning, animal care, and the natural world. These experiences are not supplemental; they are central to how students regulate, connect, and learn. Students earn elective credit through this work while developing their life prep skills and confidence.
Our Health course explores identity, belonging, emotional well-being, and social understanding. Students gain a deeper knowledge of themselves and build the awareness and skills to form healthy relationships and engage with their community.
Movement and physical activity are integrated into the daily rhythm and include opportunities to earn PE credits. We focus on movement that supports the nervous system, helping students build strength, flexibility, and resilience without added stress.
A Sample Day
at Actias
The day might begin at Hidden Villa Farm where students enjoy nature-based electives, health, and PE classes. After lunch, they head to Foothill College where they can can participate in 1:1 and small group academic courses (English, Math, History, Science). Students will also receive executive functioning support, individual therapy and OT sessions, and writing support. In an average semester, students will earn an average of 30 units.
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Nature-Based Elective
Health
PE
Algebra 1
English 9
Biology
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Nature-Based Elective
Health
PE
Geometry
English 10
World History
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Nature -Based Elective
Health
Alg. 2
Chemistry
English 11
U.S. History
Elective at Foothill College
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Nature Based Elective
Health
Physics
Econ/Gov
English 12
Elective at Foothill College
Elective at Foothill College
