General FAQ's
How do I become a student?
The first step in the admissions process is to fill out the Admissions Inquiry form. After that form is completed the Admissions Coordinator will reach out. We encourage everyone to read through our Frequently Asked Questions.
Can I take a tour of ScenicView Academy?
Tours are given by appointment only. To schedule a tour please fill out the Admissions Inquiry Form. After the form is submitted our Admissions Coordinator will reach out.
Who do you serve?
We serve adults who are at least 18 years of age, have been diagnosed with a learning disability, and who are free from addiction, excessive debt, or severe medical conditions. They have an average to high IQ, and are motivated to learn. Click here to see the qualifications for admissions.
Do you accept all genders?
We accept all genders as both community students and residential students.
What are the ages of your students?
We generally accept students between 18 and 30. Our average student is 23-24. Students between the ages of 31-39 may be considered on a case by case basis by the admissions committee.
Will I be able to get in right away, or is there a waiting list?
Available space in our program is based on caseload spots and room availability. All applicants are placed on the waiting list after they have completed all admissions steps and paid required fees. The admissions committee will review your information and decide whether you or your applicant will or will not be considered for admissions.
How long is the program, and how long can I stay?
Typically, students spend 1-3 years in our program. The time will vary depending on how quickly they demonstrate the skills taught and complete their individualized transition plan. Maximum stay in the transition program is 3 years.
How are families involved and connected?
Our most successful students involve their families with their transition planning and progress throughout the program. To help facilitate this ScenicView provides student led family contact on a monthly basis.
Do students get their own room?
Initially students are given a private room. Students at ScenicView may have the opportunity to have a shared room experience at some point during their program.
Do students have to live on campus?
We have found that the best way for students to learn independent living skills is to experience the residential setting at ScenicView.
Are you a therapeutic program? Do you offer mental health therapy?
We are not a therapeutic program. ScenicView Academy is an educational program licensed to provide residential support. All students are evaluated by a mental health therapist at the beginning of their program. The ScenicView Clinic is located on campus and SVA students have priority access to therapy on an outpatient, as-needed basis.
How does your program work?
We focus on three key independent skill programs: Live, Work, and Thrive. Our students move through our three phase program: Prep-Phase, Skills Phase, and Transition Phase, as they gradually go from living on-campus to living independently in the community.
What classes do you offer?
ScenicView offers a wide range of classes in the Live, Work, and Thrive areas including:
Cooking
Grocery Shopping
Budgeting
Transportation
High School and College Support
Internet Safety
Emotional Regulation
PEERS/Social Skills
Fitness/Nutrition
Music & Art
Education & Career Exploration
And many more, individualized to the needs and goals of each student. One of the most important learning opportunities at ScenicView is our Work program, in which students will be paid to work several hours each day under the supervision of a trained vocational education specialist.
Cooking
Grocery Shopping
Budgeting
Transportation
High School and College Support
Internet Safety
Emotional Regulation
PEERS/Social Skills
Fitness/Nutrition
Music & Art
Education & Career Exploration
And many more, individualized to the needs and goals of each student. One of the most important learning opportunities at ScenicView is our Work program, in which students will be paid to work several hours each day under the supervision of a trained vocational education specialist.
How does your Work Program work?
From the very start of their program, students will be expected to work 2-3 hours a day in a paid, on-campus work rotation. These work rotations include Kitchen, Custodial, and Grounds, where students will be assessed on their current employment skills, interests, and aptitudes before being placed on an individualized off-campus, paid internship at a local business. Students are considered employees of ScenicView Academy and will receive a W-2 each calendar year. Because of the training nature of our program, students are ineligible for unemployment.
Do you offer outpatient classes?
ScenicView opens many of their classes to community participation on a pay per class basis. Those who are interested will be screened by our Admissions Coordinator to determine if they are a good fit for our programming. Community classes need to be registered for and can only be joined at the beginning of a term.
Do you allow students to have pets on campus?
No pets are allowed on campus, including emotional support animals. ScenicView services are designed to provide emotional support while students are in our program.
How does ScenicView handle severe medical or mental health concerns?
Because ScenicView is not licensed as a therapeutic program, we cannot address severe medical or mental health issues. These concerns will need to be addressed before being admitted to the program. If severe medical or mental health issues arise after admissions, students will need to discontinue services and seek appropriate care.
Do you provide medication management? If so, how does it work?
ScenicView Academy students are expected to take medication as prescribed, and they are expected to take full responsibility for administering their own medication whenever possible. Support will be provided to learn necessary medication management skills.
How often will I get to see my family?
Students can either make or accept visits, and arrange them with ScenicView staff. Evenings and weekends are free time and may be used for visits on or off campus. Although students are supported in spending time with their families during breaks, we strongly encourage them to be back at school in time for all classes.
Financial FAQ's
How is ScenicView Academy funded?
ScenicView Academy is funded through tuition, donations, fundraising, and an endowment from our founders making it possible for us to offer scholarships.
How much does your program cost?
ScenicView Academy is a non-profit organization. It costs us over $100,000 per year per student to offer our services at this level. Due to the generosity of our founders, we are able to offer scholarships and reduced tuition based on financial need. You can speak with our Admissions Coordinator to begin the financial aid process.
How much is a family expected to pay for tuition?
We assess fees based on the income of the family and the student. Each family can apply for financial aid at www.tads.com. The parent fee is based on the results of the financial aid application. Students who receive financial assistance are expected to pay 100% of their allowable SSI/SSDI benefits in addition to the tuition amount. Students not currently receiving SSI/SSDI benefits can still be admitted into the program, but will be expected to work with the ScenicView Benefits Coordinator to start the application process.
What if my financial situation changes during the year? Am I locked into the tuition agreement I signed at the beginning of the year?
We can adjust a tuition agreement mid-year if needed based on changes in financial circumstances. Please call us if you need to discuss a change to your tuition agreement.
Does the tuition I pay to ScenicView Academy qualify as an eligible expense for federal tax credits such as the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit or for the Tuition and Fees Deduction?
ScenicView Academy is not accredited with the U.S. Department of Education as an institution of higher learning. Since we don’t offer degrees or certificates or training toward a degree or certificate, we are not an eligible educational institution. Therefore, the amount you pay toward your student’s enrollment at ScenicView isn’t a qualified higher education expense, and SVA does not issue 1098-T tax forms.
Can I use my child’s college savings plan (IRS 529 plan) to pay Scenicview Academy tuition?
No. Our tuition is not a qualified higher education expense since we don’t offer degreed programs or certificates. If you do use your child’s college savings plan, you may have to pay a penalty for making a withdrawal for ineligible expenses and pay taxes on any earnings.
Does the tuition I pay to ScenicView Academy qualify as a medical expense for tax purposes?
It can. Payments made for a mentally impaired or physically disabled person to attend a special school will qualify if a principal reason for attending the school is to overcome or alleviate the disability.
Can I claim a charitable contribution deduction for the tuition that I pay to ScenicView Academy?
ScenicView Academy is a 501(c)3, non-profit, public charity so donations to ScenicView are tax-deductible. However, one of the conditions of a charitable donation is that the donor receives no benefit in return for making the donation. Talk with your tax advisor for additional clarification.
When should I pay the security deposit for my child’s room?
The security deposit of $100 should be paid when the student moves into the room or on the first business day after moving in. If it isn’t paid by the family when the student moves in, it will be billed to the student and they will be responsible for paying it.
