Our Mission

Serendipity carries out it’s mission by implementing these practices:

Our Beliefs

Serendipity’s core beliefs are drawn from the philosophy of RE-Education, developed by Dr. Nicholas Hobbs. The 12 Principles of RE-Ed form the foundation of our work and guide our adoption of all other practices.

Put into action, you will see a culture designed to promote:
  • Trusting relationships.
  • Competence and the mastery of new skills.
  • The experience of community.
  • Daily moments of joy.

Our Model

Serendipity utilizes a model of Integrated Intervention in which our core philosophy of RE-Education is merged with other practices. Sustained by a daily environment of structure and routine, the Integrated Intervention model organizes Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Contextual practices so that responses to student behaviors are intentional, tailored, and trauma-informed.

Put into action, you will see an approach which:
  • Accounts for personal history in understanding persistent difficulties.
  • Offers opportunities to learn skills necessary to overcome these difficulties.
  • Individualizes plans.
  • Thoughtfully moves students towards independent self-regulation.

Our Curriculum

Serendipity’s program is accredited by Cognia. Our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards, with the goal of equipping students with the knowledge and strategies they need to continue learning throughout their lives.

Put into action, you will see:
  • Content and instruction adapted to all levels of student proficiency.
  • Effective accommodations for different learning styles.
  • Continual assessment and review of essential skills.
  • Opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways.

Our Treatment Modality

Collaborative Problem Solving believes that children will do well if they can and that the participation of our students in their own treatment process is vital. With adult guidance, students forge relationships based on effective communication and mutual respect.

Put into action, you will see us:
  • Approach problems with empathy.
  • Invite students to collaborate in problem solving.
  • Deliver weekly clinical consultation to classroom teams.
  • Offer strengths-based family support to all families.

Our Behavioral System

Serendipity’s culture is organized around the three themes of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. Students and adults function best in an environment characterized by SAFETY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY.

Put into action, you will see:
  • Intentional and repeated teaching and practicing of expected behaviors.
  • The acknowledgement and celebration of positive choices.
  • The encouragement of alternative behaviors.
  • The treatment of mistakes as opportunities for growth.

Our Community

All students at Serendipity deserve a sense of belonging. Serendipity cultivates a school community that is nurturing, empowering, and that promotes acceptance and kindness.

Put into action, you will see:
  • Classrooms convene morning and afternoon meetings to plan and reflect upon their days.
  • Daily social/emotional learning lessons and scheduled mindfulness activities.
  • Restorative approaches to behaviors that erode our sense of community.
  • Service opportunities to nurture our garden, support our peers, and demonstrate pride in our school and ourselves.