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.
Therapeutic Resources

Disability Categories Served

Autism
Emotional Disability
Intellectual Disability
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment

JGW Culinary 2

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)