Specialized Education

For more information or to make a referral,
contact Dianne Glenn at (804) 270-6566 ext. 1680.
For a flyer, CLICK HERE.

For kindergarten through grade 12

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 virtual tour video of our new dining hall. 

VHBG’s John G. Wood School (JGW) is a fully-accredited K-12 private day school that has been serving students since 1974. JGW is just the right size to serve students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who have demonstrated that they cannot be successful in a public school setting due to emotional and behavioral health challenges, usually resulting from the trauma they have experienced such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, and bereavement. JGW’s specialized education is based on the philosophy that youth can best succeed where there is concern for the total individual. Each classroom has a lead teacher and a behavioral coach who work as a team to provide academic and behavioral support. Staff members are trained in evidence-based practices to be empathetic to a student’s actions, and to intervene in a positive way when a student is exhibiting the effects of a trauma. Some residents of VHBG’s group homes attend JGW in addition to students who commute from multiple localities in the Richmond region. The goal is to transition students back to public school or graduate ready for their young adult lives.

VHBG’s John G. Wood School is accredited by VAISEF, whose accreditation process has been approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education.

JGW is licensed by the Virginia DOE and aligned with Virginia SOLs. Teachers and trained behavior coaches incorporate the Teaching-Family model into the curriculum.

Students take a full range of academic courses that include CTE classes, online courses, and electives with the ability to earn or work toward a Standard, Alternative, or General Education Diploma (GED). Self-contained classrooms are also available for more intensive support. Students get physical activity through the use of our gymnasium, playing fields, swing set equipment, and indoor recreation room. Each child receives the support they need to be successful including school supplies and lunch/snack every day.

DISABILITY CATEGORIES SERVED

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

Additionally, we offer:

• Individual and group counseling as needed
• Positive behavior support program
• Full-time art teacher
• Reading specialist
• Educational outings
• Community volunteer projects
• Therapy dog services
• Richmond Alternative School Sports League (RASSL)

Jason A. Kissoon Ed.D. is the principal of our John G. Wood School.

Dr. Kissoon also served as assistant principal of JGW where he was responsible for supporting the day-to-day oversight, management and development of professional staff to ensure excellence in teaching, licensing, regulatory compliance and academic success for all students. He has experience as a Private Placement Teacher, School Based Instruction and Compliance Coordinator, Exceptional Education Mathematics Instructor, and was awarded Richmond Public School’s Teacher of the Year in 2013.

He earned his Doctor of Education, Educational Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University; a Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction from University of Richmond; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, Concentration in Business Administration and Small Business Management from Virginia Commonwealth University; an Exceptional Education Certification from Virginia Union University; and an Educational Leadership Endorsement from Longwood University.

Dr. Kissoon makes data-driven decisions to support students with disabilities. He collaborates with stakeholders to ensure student learning is maximized and understands the importance of the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) standards. He also helps students receive the specialized instruction and trauma-informed care that each individual student deserves. “I believe all students can learn if given the appropriate tools and resources,” he explained.

Originally, Kissoon had planned to be a teacher but decided that being an education leader would give him the opportunity to assist students in a different capacity. He stated, “earning Longwood University’s Leadership Endorsement has prepared me to be a better administrator, to respect diversity and inclusion, and to be more empathetic to students and staff.”

Dr. Kissoon is a member of VAISEF, The Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities, which has accredited The John G Wood School at the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls. He is a member of the collegiate Greek-letter social fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, and the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.

For additional information on John G. Wood, contact Dianne Glenn at (804) 270-6566 ext. 1680. To find more information and for admissions, click here.

General JGW Brochure