JTC Academy was developed out of an intense need for programming that combines academics with therapeutic programming for you ... th having mental and acute behavioral health challenges that have often manifested into unmanageable, destructive and highly inappropriate behaviors. As a result, these youth are often suspended or expelled, inappropriately placed, or placed in programs that only meet part of the youth’s needs. Research and statistics indicate that when youth experience these types of experiences eventually culminating a life of hopelessness, starting with drop out or falling through the cracks, and leading to a bleak future, a cycle of failure, homelessness and criminal behavior. Overview of Program for Both JTC East and JTC West JTC Academy is a non-public special education therapeutic day program located in the Southern Region of Illinois. JTC Academy has approval from both Illinois and Missouri to accept students from school districts in these states. Disability Eligibility Categories and Age Range Approved Eligibilities: LD, OHI, ID, ED and student diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Age Range: 5-21 JTC East and JTC West Days in Session and Instructional Hours Regular School Year Session JTC Academy is in session 5 days per week from 8:00-2:45, 6 hours instructional, 30 minutes lunch/break and recess time and 15 minutes transitioning/passing. A regular school year for JTC Academy, will consist of 186 days ESY-Summer School (Students Qualifying for ESY per IEP) In Session 5 days Per week for 25 days from 8:00-1:00, 125 total hours read more