A Day in the Life at JB Apply Today Visit Us

Walk through a day in the life of a JB student. 

Because of our customized approach to education and strategic grade bands, a day in the life might look different for each individual child. Regardless of the grade, JB’s onsite therapies, challenging academics, and purposeful social integrations create a shared routine for success. 

7:20 a.m. | Carpooling & bus riding

If children reside in a district that provides transportation, they can choose to ride the bus. Not all school districts provide transportation, so many parents carpool. Our students come from more than 40 counties in Northeast Ohio.

7:40 a.m. | Students arrive

Our campuses open doors at 7:40 a.m. Parents often take advantage of this extra 20 minutes in the morning, as children can choose to participate in our Walking Club or independent reading time in a quiet zone. 

8 a.m. | Classes begin

Students are guided to their classrooms and find their seats. For the first 30 minutes of the school day, students in every grade level practice executive functioning skills. Our teachers help students to establish an organized routine and learn what to expect and what’s expected of them during the school day.

From an early age, JB kids learn how to organize their materials, write down homework, and prepare for the day. Visual guides in each classroom give students extra support.

8:30 a.m. | Academics 

While each grade band has a slightly different academic schedule, most heavy academics like reading, writing, and math, happen early in the day when students are at their most focused. Students take numerous brain breaks throughout their studies, as our intervention specialists have found that a short walk, bounce on the trampoline, or sensory break, can keep students engaged.

During lessons, the two intervention specialists dedicated to each grade work together to identify which students need one-on-one or small group support. Classes are often broken into small groups so that students learn to work together. Students use Chromebooks, Activboards, and assistive technology to take quizzes and follow along with the class.   

10:30 a.m. | Morning recess

JB students enjoy two recesses each day. Our unique model keeps each grade level with the same two teachers for seven full hours of intervention each day, including lessons, social activities, and even recess and lunch.

This helps to develop strong student-teacher relationships and allows our certified intervention specialists to determine how each student learns and guide them through not only academic work but also interpersonal skills. 

11 a.m. | Academics

Continuing their social science or science studies, classes might rotate into special areas like the Makers Space or Library. In the Library, students can choose books for quiet or group reading activities. Makers Space gives students a creative place to practice STEM projects. Intervention specialists make lessons as multi-sensory as possible.

While students work in teams, intervention specialists move between groups to provide individualized attention. JB recognizes that academics can cause anxiety and even meltdowns if students feel left in the dark. Teachers take a hand-in-hand approach to learning so that every child achieves success at his or her own pace. 

12 p.m. | Lunch 

Students join their classmates in the cafeteria. Students pack their lunches, with the exception of a hot lunch provided by Julie Billiart Schools’ Parent Organizations approximately once a month. Once a week, JB holds Lunch Bunch - a time when our speech-language pathologists join students to practice conversation skills in a more generalized, real-world setting. 

12:30 p.m. Afternoon recess

Students enjoy another opportunity to expend energy. All JB campuses have new playgrounds that are designed for our kids. During play, kids build lasting friendships and practice the social and emotional skills they learn throughout the day. 

1 p.m. Music therapy, art therapy, or occupational therapy

Depending on the day and the unique IEP needs of each child, students receive a variety of onsite therapies as part of their JB education. Our licensed art therapists deliver group classes and individual art therapy sessions. In music, students learn how to express themselves through sound and movement.

Students can meet our occupational therapists in our specially designed OT rooms, or occupational therapists can “push in” to classes or gym for additional support. A full-time Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assists teachers at each campus and spends the afternoon conducting observations and creating custom plans for teachers and parents. 

2 p.m. Religion or gym 

Once a week, students participate in a prayer service, which is a soothing time to reflect on their actions, intentions, and prayers, and hear that God loves them. Prayer services include songs and readings. Twice weekly, students enjoy a gym class that is customized to each grade level. 

2:30 p.m. | Executive functioning

Students and teachers prepare for dismissal with an end of day checkout. They reiterate the executive functioning skills practiced in the morning and throughout the day by making checklists, planning for the following day, and making sure they have their homework and belongings prepared. For little ones, this might take place as a teacher-guided song. Our older students have developed routines that guide them into high school and beyond. 

2:45 p.m. | Dismissal 

Children stay in their classrooms until their names are called. They are individually walked out to their bus or car by a teacher, and are safely checked out of school for the day. 

3 p.m. | Aftercare 

Parents who desire more social interaction for their kids often opt for JB’s Aftercare. Aftercare includes tabletop activities, snack time, homework support, and physical activity.