James Foster School serves students in grades four through eight who have extensive support needs previously known as moderate to severe disabilities. Each classroom benefits from smaller class sizes, increase in staff to student ratio and structured educational expectations. Instruction is designed to meet individual needs of each student throughout the school day, including recess and lunch periods. Students focus on a functional skills curriculum and developing independence in preparation for high school, vocational opportunities, and community access. Teachers use evidenced-based instructional strategies and technology to teach functional skills aligned to the California Standards including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and college/career/ community access.

Instruction is designed to meet individual needs of each student throughout the school day to maximize student independence. Teachers use evidenced-based instructional strategies and technology to teach functional skills aligned to the California Standards including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and college/career/community access. Instruction is based upon the following curricular skills: functional academics, communication, social-emotional/behavioral functioning, and motor skills so our students can maximize their independence in the domains of vocation, community, independent living skills and recreation/leisure activities.

Students have the opportunity to participate in activities with peers from the partnering comprehensive campus through the peer tutor/ teaching assistant and other integration as appropriate. Frank Middle School is adjacent to the Foster campus and works with us for these activities. Our teachers use Community Based Instruction (CBI) for students to practice and generalize skills in the community. Establishing a functional means of communication for each student is an important focus of the program. 

As a learning community, we believe that professional expertise, supported by collaboration between parents, students, teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals and administration leads to a safe learning environment and positive student outcomes.
Classroom instruction is aligned to the California Standards and 21st Century skills.

There is one additional classroom at Foster School which supports students with social emotional needs that impact their education. Students focus on developing positive social skills with the goal of returning to their local districts and schools. Students integrate into one or more general education classes at Frank Middle School.