The Ascent Program at NFA West
The 2025–2026 school year marks an exciting milestone for NFA West with the launch of The Ascent Program, the school’s first self-contained special education program. The class currently serves eight students and is supported by one special education teacher and three teaching assistants, allowing for highly individualized instruction and meaningful daily support.
The Ascent Program is designed to help students build the skills they need to increase independence, confidence, and real-world readiness. Instruction focuses on the fundamentals of reading and math, taught through the lens of functional, real-life application. Students practice essential life skills such as money management, community awareness, and following daily routines. Throughout the school day, the team also integrates adaptive and social-skills instruction, helping students strengthen communication, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
Students in the program have quickly begun to thrive at West. They enjoy being active members of the school community, and their presence has fostered meaningful opportunities for inclusion. West students are learning how to engage, collaborate, and build positive relationships with peers on the autism spectrum, creating a more empathetic and connected school culture.
The Ascent Program reflects NFA West’s commitment to ensuring that every student is valued, supported, and provided with pathways to success—both in school and beyond.
Story and photos provided by Ms. Angela Nonnon.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
