Note: Siegel Academy is a therapeutic support school—we do not issue diplomas. We help families find an accredited online school depending on their country for official academic credentials, while we provide therapy, enrichment, and a supportive community.
Our Approach to Learning
At Siegel Academy, we believe that true learning happens when students are given the space to explore, the support to grow, and the freedom to discover their own path. Our program is built on three pillars:
- Independent Study: Students take ownership of their learning through self-directed exploration and personalized pacing
- Therapeutic Integration: Mental health support is woven throughout the week, not treated as separate from education
- Collaborative Discovery: Group meetings where students share insights and learn from each other's curiosity
Sample Weekly Schedule
Our flexible schedule balances structure with independence. Times and activities are adjusted based on each student's individual needs and goals.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 - 10:00 |
Therapy Individual Therapy Session |
Independent Self-Directed Study |
Group Morning Check-In Circle |
Independent Self-Directed Study |
Therapy Group Therapy Session |
| 10:00 - 11:30 |
Independent Core Subject Study (Math, Science, or Language) |
Independent Core Subject Study |
Independent Core Subject Study |
Independent Core Subject Study |
Independent Core Subject Study |
| 11:30 - 12:00 |
Break Mindfulness & Movement Break |
||||
| 12:00 - 1:00 |
Break Lunch & Free Time |
||||
| 1:00 - 2:00 |
Group Social Skills & Sharing Circle |
Independent Elective Study (Languages, Arts, etc.) |
Therapy Group Therapy Session |
Group Social Skills & Sharing Circle |
Independent Elective Study |
| 2:00 - 3:00 |
Independent Project Work / Research |
Group Social Skills & Sharing Circle |
Independent Project Work / Research |
Independent Project Work / Research |
Group Week Reflection & Celebration |
Program Components
Weekly Individual Therapy
Each student meets one-on-one with their assigned therapist at least once per week. Sessions focus on personal goals, coping strategies, and processing challenges. Additional sessions are available as needed.
Group Therapy
Twice-weekly group therapy sessions provide opportunities for peer connection, shared experiences, and developing social skills in a safe, facilitated environment. Groups are organized by age and therapeutic needs.
Mentor Sessions
One-on-one sessions with a mentor (separate from therapy) where students discuss their life goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. Whether it's becoming a biologist, psychologist, or artist—we help map the path forward.
Social Skills & Sharing Circles
Students gather to practice social skills while sharing what they've been learning and what they've achieved toward their life goals. A facilitator guides discussion, but students lead the exploration and celebration of progress.
Independent Study
The heart of our academic program. Students work through personalized curriculum at their own pace, with teacher support available throughout. This approach honors different learning styles and energy levels.
Gaming & Connection Groups
Minecraft groups, multiplayer gaming sessions, and other fun activities where students build friendships in a relaxed environment. Social connection doesn't have to be stressful—sometimes it's just about playing together.
Elective Studies
Students choose subjects that ignite their passion—from Japanese language to creative writing, art to coding. Electives provide balance and allow students to explore interests beyond core academics.
Project-Based Learning
Long-term projects allow students to dive deep into topics that interest them, developing research skills, critical thinking, and the satisfaction of completing meaningful work.
About Social Skills & Sharing Circles
What makes our Social Skills & Sharing Circles different from traditional group tutoring?
In a typical group session, a teacher leads and students receive information. Our Social Skills & Sharing Circles flip this model entirely—combining social skills practice, academic sharing, and achievement celebration.
- Student-Led: Each student has the opportunity to share something they've learned recently—a concept that clicked, an interesting discovery, or progress toward their life goals.
- Achievement Sharing: Students celebrate weekly wins: "I started volunteering at the zoo!" or "I finished that difficult college writing class!"
- Curiosity-Driven: When one student shares, others are encouraged to ask questions, make connections, or share related ideas. The conversation follows natural curiosity.
- Social Skills Practice: Students naturally develop turn-taking, active listening, and conversation skills in a supportive environment.
- Cross-Subject Connections: A student studying history might connect with someone studying art, leading to unexpected insights about culture and time periods.
This approach recognizes that students learn best when they're active participants, not passive recipients. It also builds community, celebrates progress, and shows students that their insights matter.
Mentor Sessions
🎯 Mentor Sessions: Mapping Your Future
Mentor sessions are separate from therapy—they're focused specifically on life goals and how to achieve them. In these one-on-one sessions, students work with a dedicated mentor to:
- Identify Dreams: What do you want to be? What excites you? What problems do you want to solve?
- Create Action Plans: Break big dreams into small, achievable steps. Want to be a marine biologist? Let's figure out what classes you need, what volunteer opportunities exist, what internships to pursue.
- Set Weekly Goals: Each week, identify concrete actions that move you toward your dreams.
- Problem-Solve Obstacles: When life gets in the way, your mentor helps you adapt your plan without losing sight of your goals.
- Build Accountability: Someone who believes in your potential and checks in on your progress.
Students then share their weekly achievements in our Social Skills & Sharing Circles, celebrating progress toward life goals while practicing social skills with peers.
Gaming & Connection Groups
🎮 Sometimes the best therapy is just having fun with friends.
Many of our students struggle with social connection—traditional social situations can feel overwhelming, awkward, or exhausting. Our Gaming & Connection groups provide a low-pressure way to build friendships:
- Minecraft Groups: Build worlds together, collaborate on projects, or just explore. The shared focus takes pressure off direct social interaction.
- Multiplayer Gaming Sessions: From cooperative games to friendly competition, gaming provides natural conversation and shared experiences.
- Moderated Environment: A staff member is always present to ensure the space stays supportive and positive.
- No Pressure: Camera-optional, mic-optional. Participate in whatever way feels comfortable.
$15/hour — An affordable way to build friendships and practice social skills in a genuinely fun environment.
Subjects We Offer
Our curriculum covers all core subjects plus a wide range of electives. Students work with advisors to create a personalized course plan.
Core Subjects
Language Electives
Creative & Technical Electives
Built-In Flexibility
Adjusted Start Times
Students who struggle with mornings can begin their day later. We work with each student's natural rhythms when possible.
Camera-Optional Sessions
Except where participation requires it, students can choose whether to have their camera on during sessions.
Pacing Freedom
During independent study, students work at their own pace. Some days are more productive than others—and that's okay.
Ready to Learn More?
Discover how our unique approach can support your educational journey.
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