Education Services

Education is at the heart of everything we do.

From academic education to college prep and job training, we tailor our approach to each student’s learning style. Our instructional team is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and is passionate about helping our students learn, grow and thrive.

Dooley School at St. Joseph’s Villa

Dooley School is one of our longest-running services. We’re small enough to meet the individual needs of students, and large enough to provide a high quality educational and social experience. As a K-12 school, we primarily serve students diagnosed with emotional disabilities, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities and other health impairments. Staff-to-student ratio ranges from 1:6 to 1:8 depending on disabilities being served in the classroom.

Local school systems place students with Dooley School to help address academic and behavioral challenges. Counselors on staff help students develop confidence, learn how to build relationships, and be successful in their community.

STEAM Education

Dooley School uses a STEAM-centered curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to guide student inquiry, discussion, and critical thinking. We combine this approach with our traditional Standards of Learning (SOL) curriculum to more fully engage our students and prepare them for their futures.

School-Based Therapeutic Day Treatment

Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT) is available to students enrolled in Dooley School, and can serve as an invaluable support as they transition to the Villa. Overseen by a licensed clinical social worker, TDT uses a combination of psychotherapeutic interventions that include individual and group therapy. We individualize all aspects of the program to meet the unique needs of the child and the family. Our primary goal is to help the child develop adaptive behaviors so that they can be successful in their community. For eligibility criteria, visit our Admissions page.

View the 2022-2023 Dooley School calendar here.

LEARN MORE | 804-553-3265

Dooley Center for Alternative Education

Dooley Center for Alternative Education serves middle and high school students residing in Henrico, Hanover, and the City of Richmond who have been suspended or expelled from public school, or are returning from a state learning center. The curriculum covers all areas of academic study while stressing the importance of making positive choices and providing students with support and guidance within a structured environment. We help students make up the academic work they missed during their time out of school, using a duel service delivery approach of both direct instruction and online learning to meet students’ individual needs.

Staff and students work creatively to set goals and earn rewards for success.

View our 2022-23 school calendar here.

LEARN MORE | 804-553-3291

Our Students

We work closely with local school divisions to ensure the individual needs of each student are met. Our goal is for students to develop the skills they need to successfully transition back to their zoned public school, and life after school.

At St. Joseph’s Villa, each student receives:

• Individual assessment upon admission to determine academic strengths and needs to guide instruction
• Structured learning environment with small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratios
• A supportive environment with all staff trained in Trauma Informed Care
• Use of technology in instruction
• Opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as team sports and prom
• Access to Career and Transition Services to prepare for life after high school

Career and Transition Services

Career and Transition Services (CATS) at St. Joseph’s Villa prepares students to successfully navigate their education, the workforce, or post-secondary training or school. Through a combination of classroom training and actual worksite training, our goal is to help students envision a future that is productive, achievable, and stimulating.

Students work on-site at one of the Villa’s specialized work centers to put into practice skills and behaviors learned in the classroom. We also partner
with local businesses and nonprofits to provide students hands-on experiences at actual work environments. Find out more about our work centers.

For more information, contact our Director of Career and Transition Services at 804-533-3224 or email.