Merrimack Extension Program

The Merrimack School Extension Program is gearedtowards middle school students, in grades 6-8,diagnosed along the Autistic Spectrum, including thosestudents with Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and whopresent with sensory modulation deficiencies. Thestudent to teacher ratio of 3:1, with two full time aides,a school adjustment counselor and a variety of teachingmethods allows for students to achieve social-emotionaland academic success. The program has also beensuccessful with 9th grade students who are sociallyand/or academically functioning on a lower level.

“Our environment is flexible —we help our students developcoping, adaptive strategies.”

The core values of MSEC are readily apparent in theclassroom setting. Classrooms are designed to providecomfort and security by limiting stimuli and implementingsensory integration strategies and techniques.Educators are equipped to handle challenging situationsby providing an opportunity for collective problemsolving with parents/guardians, students and otherprofessionals.

The Extension Program utilizes Applied BehavioralAnalysis with a behavior modification point and levelsystem, allowing staff to develop a highly individualizedbehavior plan for each student. In addition, studentsin the program receive Occupational Therapy, Speechand Language Services, Physical Therapy and individualcounseling sessions with the Student AdjustmentCounselor, as determined by their IEP.

Age/Grade Range

Grades 6 – 8 (Grade 9 considered)

Program Location

40 Brick Kiln Road, Chelmsford

Program Hours

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

School Year

September to August (210 day school year includes6-week summer program)

Additional Services

Outdoor educational trips

Small, structured environment (3:1)

Normative Approach (based on Coping Skills andAnger Management Strategies)

MCAS Prep

OT, PT, PT, SLP and Counseling

Social skills training

Parent Advisory Council

Referral Process/Contact

Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to :

Merrimack Middle School Program Director
114 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-9997