Specialized Education SERVING STUDENTS SINCE 1974
Through specialized instruction and the stability necessary to master new skills, students are better prepared to return to the public school setting.
VHBG’s John G. Wood School (JGW) is a fully accredited specialized day school catering to students in grades K-12 who are working through emotional, behavioral, and subsequent academic challenges.
JGW’s teachers and student support coaches create a trauma-informed environment with instruction aimed at bridging significant learning gaps. VHBG philanthropy plays a crucial role in sustaining additional costs such as an art teacher and reading specialist. JGW’s primary focus is the student’s IEP Goals including, when applicable, transitioning students back to public school.
JGW accepts students with “Private Day School” designations on their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and serves individuals with a range of abilities, including Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.
WHAT WE OFFER
JGW is licensed by Virginia Department of Education, accredited by the Virginia Association of Individual Special Education Facilities (VAISEF) , and aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning. A positive behavioral approach is used. Students can earn a Standard Diploma or Applied Studies Diplomas. Other highlights include:
- Elementary, middle, and high school courses
- School year aligns with Henrico County public school calendar
- On-site counseling resources and nurse
- Creative arts program for emotional expression Outdoor/indoor activities promoting physical and sensory learning
- 1:1 Student Support Coaches available in accordance with IEP
JOHN G. WOOD I Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5)
- 8:1 Student-teacher ratio to accommodate individual learning styles
- Regular communication with parents/guardians ensures continuity of students’ progress
- Multi-purpose room creates a calm, relaxed, sensory experience
- Warm and inviting classrooms with modern with iPads and Chromebooks
- Incorporation of weekly cooperative learning activities centered around social- emotional leadership to support interpersonal skills
- Outdoor and indoor tactile exercises encompass multiple learning styles and allow students to be physically active while learning
Middle and High School (Grades 6-12)
- 8:1 Student-teacher ratio to accommodate individual learning styles.
- Programs are designed with practices addressing behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts ServSafe Certificate, when available
- Blended learning in core academic and elective classes via Edmentum allows for more differentiation of instruction
- Richmond Alternative School Sports League available (RASSL)
JOHN G. WOOD II Self-Contained Classrooms (Grades 6-12)
- 6:1 Student-teacher ratio is small and accommodates individual learning styles.
- Separate classrooms for core subjects designed to meet students’ individual needs requiring more intensive social, emotional, behavioral, and academic support.
Disability Categories Served
Autism
Emotional Disability
Intellectual Disability
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Services We Offer
Individual and group counseling as needed
Positive behavior support program
Full-time art teacher
Reading Specialist
Educational outings
Community volunteer projects
CTE Classes (Culinary Arts)
Richmond Alternative School Sports League (RASSL)
We are pleased to announce a $ 1 million total renovation of our 13,816 square-foot dining hall facility.
We’re thankful to our loyal and generous VHBG donors who made this renovation possible. Construction began in the spring of 2020 to the building that was built in 1966 and has been used on a daily basis ever since. While we can’t wait for you to see it in person, we wanted you to get a “taste” of this wonderful and innovative campus space.
Please enjoy this video that highlights our new dining hall.