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
**Click here** COVID-19 Pandemic Health and Safety Plan for Reopening School
Special note: all staff, students, and visitors will be screened daily upon arrival to campus and John G. Wood School for COVID 19 symptoms.
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.
As the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves, be assured that VHBG leadership is making sure we continue to provide high-quality care to the youth we serve. The safety and well-being of our youth, their families and guardians, our staff, and the community are always central to our mission. We are meeting daily to plan and oversee VHBG’s operations in light of this situation. We are following guidelines from both the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Our specialized school, John G. Wood (JGW), is just the right size to teach students with emotional and behavioral challenges that impact their academic success. Small student-teacher ratios accommodate individual learning styles with the goal to transition students back to their public school as soon as possible. JGW includes a broad range of courses for children in kindergarten through grade 12 and Extended School Year (ESY) services are available during the summer. Some residents of VHBG’s group homes attend JGW in addition to students who commute from multiple localities in the Richmond region.
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.
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
John G. Wood I
Elementary School
Kindergarten – Grade 5
Our elementary school provides young students with a full academic curriculum in addition to therapeutic elements to help students grow more confident in their abilities.
- A 5:1 student-teacher ratio is small and accommodates individual learning styles.
- Daily communication with parents/guardians ensures continuity of students’ progress
- A multi-purpose room creates a calm, relaxed, sensory experience along with warm and inviting home-like classrooms.
- Technology is accessible and includes a modern Promethean board.
- 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.
- Yoga class nurtures mindfulness in students.
John G. Wood I
Middle and High School
Grades 6-12
- 8:1 student-teacher ratio is small and accommodates individual learning styles.
- Programs are designed with practices addressing behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs.
- Full academic curriculum with ability to earn or work toward a Standard, Alternative, or General Education Diploma (GED).
- Career and Technical Education (CTE).
- Individual Student Alternative Education Plan ISAEP /GED program.
- Blended learning in core academic and elective classes via Edgenuity allows for more differentiation of instruction.
- GRASP counselor works with seniors to complete FAFSA, apply for college, and find scholarship opportunities.
Richmond Alternative School Sports League available. (RASSL)Our John G. Wood Career & Technical Education (CTE) woodshop students have produced some pretty awesome benches that are on display in front of the school. Bob Scott, our CTE teacher, explains that mastering a skill is so important to a child with low self-esteem.
John G. Wood II
Self Contained Classrooms Grades 6-12
Sometimes students who have shown significant disruptive or aggressive behaviors in public school benefit from a self-contained classroom setting.
- 5:1 student to teacher ratio is small and accommodates individual learning styles.
- Separate classrooms designed to meet students’ individual needs requiring more intensive social, emotional, behavioral, and academic support.
- Individual counseling as needed to support social and emotional growth.
- Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (VAAP) instruction provided.
John G. Wood
Extended School Year
Summer School offers middle and high school students the opportunity to enjoy new and different learning experiences, add to knowledge and skills, strengthen weaknesses in a subject, and obtain skills in order to be better prepared for their academic coursework during the regular school year.
Contact Dianne Glenn at 270-6566 ext. 1680, dglenn@vhbg.org