In working with Academy students, two things have become very clear – they do best when they are actively creating something about what they are learning, and they need a great deal of repetition and practice. Lower School teachers create the curriculum and classroom activities in dynamic interaction with the students on a daily basis. Key words in our program include visualizing, verbalizing, conceptualizing, socializing, organizing, and memorizing. Many Academy students have difficulty with expressive language, working memory, or social skills. For this reason, learning how to picture concepts – whether they be related to reading, math, or how to get along with others – is extremely valuable. Expanding vocabulary and learning to express oneself are also crucial to each student's development. Students are also encouraged to persist at tasks, reduce impulsivity, and learn how to manage time and assignments.