Our Program
Individualized learning
Every student can learn and grow. Lafayette combines K–12 special education, therapeutic support, and life and social skills in a structured day-school setting. The Virginia Standards of Learning guide our curriculum, with instruction adapted to each student’s needs and individual service plan. Teachers, therapists, families, and placing school divisions work together toward academic goals, stronger relationships, and successful transitions to less restrictive settings when appropriate.
Therapy and family partnership
Qualified clinical professionals provide counseling within their scope of practice. Students participate in group therapy several times a week and receive individual and family services according to their plans. Art therapy offers another way to express feelings and build confidence. Families meet with a therapist at least monthly to work on shared goals, communication, and support at home. For 2026–2027, Lafayette uses SimplePractice to manage family therapy appointments, documentation, reminders, and secure telehealth when arranged. Your therapist helps you access the Client Portal and choose appropriate contact preferences.
Weekly music therapy
Lafayette partners with The Center for Creative Healing, formerly Healing Sounds, for group music therapy once a week. Students make music together, express feelings, listen, cooperate, and explore how music supports healing and connection. Activities respond to the group’s needs, and no musical experience is required. Learn about our partner at creativehealing.center.
The Art of Belonging
Students and staff create a collaborative mural supported by a Bama Works grant. The project explores how a community grows when people can be themselves. Belonging means being accepted as we are; fitting in can mean hiding parts of ourselves. Students listen, make shared decisions, and see how each person contributes to our community.
Learning through collaboration
Lafayette has also offered One World, a social-emotional learning game built around collaborative fantasy adventures. Students use imagination, spells, and special powers to solve problems together, with adventures designed without killing or violence. Each character brings strengths and challenges. The shared story encourages cooperation, perspective-taking, and an anti-bullying culture. Activities follow the current program schedule.
Community experiences and CART
Learning extends into the community through supervised academic, therapeutic, and recreational activities. Resources include Fluvanna County Library, Pleasant Grove Park, and Carysbrook Gym. Charlottesville Area Riding Therapy (CART) provides weekly therapeutic recreational riding for a selected student group. Participation reflects each student’s needs, potential benefit, permissions, and the current schedule. Required IEP services remain available regardless of behavior level. Learn about CART: https://www.cartcrozet.org/about
Supervised university partnerships
When suitable placements and qualified supervision are available, Lafayette works with the University of Virginia’s Gilmer program and Virginia Commonwealth University’s social work internship program. Interns support the school team within their training and assigned duties. Required screening and orientation come before student contact, and student and family information remains protected.