Accotink Academy

Accotink Academy describes a language-based, literacy-rich therapeutic program for students ages 6–21 that combines evidence-based teaching practices informed by research on brain function, language acquisition, and reading. The program is designed to build academic skills while also fostering behavioral and emotional growth through structured routines and systematic behavior-management principles, with the goal of helping students become more adaptive, self-directed, and able to return to a less restrictive environment.

Accotink Academy enrolls students who are referred and funded by school districts/Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in DC and Virginia (the handbook states it does not accept private-pay students), so families generally apply through their LEA by submitting a completed application packet to Admissions. The packet is expected to include items such as a current IEP, school placement/functioning information, report cards/transcripts, social history and school/medical records, recent psychological/clinical/psycho-educational evaluations (and related evaluations like speech/language and OT as applicable), and behavior documents such as a BIP/FBA (with a psychiatric evaluation required if the student was previously in a residential or hospital setting). After the multidisciplinary intake team reviews the file, students who appear to be a good fit are scheduled for an intake interview (in person or via Zoom) with the student and parent/guardian, and the student may be invited to spend a school day at Accotink (and possibly an additional day) before a decision is made. The intake team makes a consensus decision to accept or reject (or request additional visiting), and admission is contingent on space in the appropriate classroom; the school does not describe a formal waitlist process or any priority categories online. Before the first day, parents/guardians must provide a signed Enrollment Form and current physical/TB testing and immunization records, and DCPS/DCPCS families must complete annual residency verification by October 1 each school year.