Academic Overview
A strength-based holistic, educational experience designed to increase content knowledge and metacognition.
A Comprehensive and Individualized Curriculum
Brehm recognizes that each student is unique and must find his or her individual pathway to academic, social, and emotional success.
Following a careful review of the student’s data and academic history, an Individualized Holistic Education Plan is designed around the way each student learns best.
Our Programs
The academic curriculum includes traditional core and elective subjects delivered in a standard, modified, or remedial format to meet each student where they are academically. In addition, students receive instruction in assistive technology, learning cognition, fine arts, and passion-based areas of interest. The innovative Arrowsmith Program at Brehm is also available, bringing breakthrough learning methodology that uses intensive cognitive exercises to restore and strengthen learning pathways in the brain.
Continuous Improvement
Certified faculty and staff work with students to monitor progress toward individual goals, leveraging individual strengths into a comprehensive program. Brehm students graduate with the tools, skills, and confidence to become effective self-advocates and independent learners.
Brehm Parent
Academic Highlights
Academic Program
Take a look at our offered courses that are tailored to the student’s individual learning style.
Arrowsmith Program
Brehm’s Arrowsmith Program works to retrain the brain through cognitive exercises based on neuroplasticity.
Speech-Language
Speech-Language services are available to all Brehm students. Our SLPs help our students to live a better quality of life through improved processing and communication.
Flexible, Tiered, Academic Scheduling
Students also benefit from the flexibility of a multi-tiered academic program in which they advance at their own pace as they gain mastery of each subject.
An Enriched Curriculum Produces Well-Rounded Students
Vibrant enrichment and recreational programs engage students both on and off-campus in structured activities. Brehm students not only have fun, they grow culturally and emotionally, set and achieve goals, and learn to work collaboratively. They also develop new social and self-advocacy skills, gain self-esteem and gain momentum for a lifetime of success.
The Carbondale and nearby St. Louis communities provide a rich array of educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Students participate in individual lessons and community-based programs, such as horseback riding and martial arts.
Vibrant working relationships with nearby Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and numerous community partners round out the school’s extraordinary range of programs and resources.
Enrichment and recreational programs activities include yearbook, prom, theater, international trips, and a dynamic Summer Program.
Weekday activities focus on the Brehm campus, clubs, and community, from swimming and skating to art club and cooking.
On weekends, students enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as camping, sporting events, or visiting St. Louis cultural attractions.
Together, Let’s Explore if Brehm Is the Right Fit for Your Child
Connecting with a boarding school that understands your child's needs can be daunting.
Reach out to our team of experts to discover how Brehm stands apart, offering a secure and nurturing environment, fostering holistic growth and development.
English Department
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students in literature, writing, grammar, research, and technology integration. To deliver a standard-based curriculum, we provide the necessary accommodations and strategies. We address the foundational language skills when necessary to fill the learning holes and improve outcomes.
The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.
The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.
The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.
The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.
The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:
- Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genres
- Understand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elements
- Evaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or context
- Use assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth, G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)
- Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writing
- Speak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topic
- Expand and refine vocabulary
- Engage in higher order thinking skills
- Reading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.  The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
  (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
   G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software