Academics

Students of all ages come to NHP having experienced stalled progress and even academic failure (along with damage to self-esteem) in the public school setting.  Many dislike school and have a negative feeling toward learning in general.  NHP teachers address this damage by helping students feel successful and excited about their education.  They do so by making the classroom fun, stimulating, and safe.  Further, in middle and high school, teachers explain the relevance of what students are being taught to deepen their engagement.  At all levels, deficiencies are recognized and addressed with personal attention and focused instruction.

NHP can accommodate students who aspire to college and university study as well as those simply attempting to reach graduation.  High school coursework follows the college-preparatory A-G requirements.  At the same time, some waivers are available to students who are better served with practical math and career exploration.  The small teacher-to-student ratio (typically 6:1) enables teachers to address each student’s unique goals and needs while providing general instruction in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Sciences, Physical Education, Language, and the Arts.  Further, students gain understanding and skills using computers and software including Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and other programs.

Technology

North Hills Prep is committed to providing our students with a state-of-the-art campus outfitted with a wide range of technology enrichment.

Smart Boards

Smart Boards are interactive whiteboards that allow teachers to deliver dynamic lessons, access an unlimited variety of instructional material and online visual media, write notes and save and electronically send work done in class. Smart Boards stimulate the visual learning and interest of the elementary students to high school seniors and encourage natural collaboration between teachers and students.

Computer Lab and Laptop Carts

The computer lab includes 14 PC computers and is a valuable resource for teaching crucial skills necessary for our students to succeed in today’s information-based society. The school also has two portable 14-station laptop carts.  Technology-based curriculum options train students in Microsoft and Adobe programs, as well as programs for film editing, animation and graphic design. All students are offered numerous learning opportunities through the use of several innovative and practical software programs such as Inspiration 9, Write Out Loud, Read Out Loud, Solo Sign In, Co-Writer 6, Draft Builder 6, and Kidspiration.

SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger enables the school to share information with families via email and telephone.  Please share your email address with the school so you don’t miss any important communications.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom enable teachers and students to communicate digitally.  All students are assigned a northhillsprep.com email to access Google Classroom and receive other communications.

PowerSchool

The PowerSchool program helps keep you informed of your child’s progress and to facilitate communication with teachers. PowerSchool allows you to login anytime to check your child’s current grades, attendance, classroom behavior, and to contact teachers. It’s completely secure, so no one else can see your personal information. Login instructions are distributed to students and parents and are always available through the school secretary at (818) 267-2600.

Homework Web Page

The Homework Page is available through a link on the website and allows parents to keep up with their student’s assignments. Content is updated regularly by teachers.

Therapeutic  Services

All NHP students meet at least weekly with therapists either individually or in groups.  NHP boasts a particularly strong clinical team with extensive, child, adolescent, and family experience.  Therapists and teachers work closely together to build a circle of understanding and support around each student’s particular psychological and academic dynamics.  Students are challenged to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in order to build greater emotional stability and interpersonal skills.  In doing so, previously dysfunctional strategies like avoidance and defiance are diminished.

Therapeutic work is supported by a creative and experienced team of behavior interventionists, who assist students with daily challenges in the areas of peer conflict, frustration, and motivation.  Using a combination of unconditional positive regard, active listening, gentle confrontation, and incentives, behaviorists at NHP assist students in decision-making, dispute resolution, and appropriate interaction.

Additional services include speech and language and occupational therapy.  A boarding option is available on campus for students who would benefit from a 24-hour residential program.

Student Life

At The Help Group’s North Hills Prep, a wide range of experiences and opportunities for our students are available. The campus is filled with active and engaged students, something that we believe is critical to academic, social and emotional development.

Clubs

Each year students have the opportunity to participate in various clubs and come together with peers of like interests. Anime Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Literary Club, Hiking and Zoology Clubs are just some of the lunch-time offerings.

Field Trips

Field trips include both educational and “reward” excursions into the community. Over the past few years, North Hills Prep has taken students to a variety of settings such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Museum of Tolerance, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the California Science Center.

Creative and Performing Arts

North Hills Prep has a long history of attracting students with artistic talent and the desire to express themselves creatively. The highly enriched Visual and Performing Arts program offers students the opportunity to explore their undiscovered talents and to realize their passions. Students have the opportunity to perform their craft during Back-to-School nights, Open Houses, Talent Shows, and campus assemblies and events. With a state-of-the-art media lab, music recording studio, green screen technology, animation programming, art workshop and theater production troupe, students can engage in a wide variety of arts experiences.

Extracurricular  Activities

NHP recognizes that much important student learning involves more than academics and occurs outside the classroom as well.  Monthly assemblies recognize excellence in character development, general improvement, and perfect attendance.  Field trips occur throughout the year to such places as The Science Center, The Los Angeles Zoo, the Discovery Cube, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Grammy Museum, and others.  The Gay-Straight Alliance Club promotes acceptance, respect, and understanding of all.  NHP presents a Holiday Program, Science Fair, Art Show, Annual Talent Show, and smaller events throughout the year.  Hiking Club explores the beauty of the natural world.

Athletics

Physical education and athletics complement and enrich the academic experience and are integral to every student’s education and personal growth. As such, the athletic program is designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity as well as a life-long commitment to health and fitness. The campus houses a fitness training center, indoor basketball court and regulation gym.

Students are eligible to participate in competitive league play where they learn to make positive contributions to the team, to work together, to develop confidence and to enhance their athletic skills. Current teams include Softball, Flag Football, Basketball, and Soccer.

Transitional Services

Students getting close to graduation access a number of options to bridge the transition out of high school.  These include the Workability program which helps students gain valuable work experience prior to obtaining an outside job; Career Cruising, an online program which provide assessments and other resources for identifying occupational interests and training avenues; field trips to local colleges and vocational schools; and assistance with applications and financial aid.

Campus Program Administration

Elin Bradley

Director of Therapeutic Schools and Residential Treatment

Van Nuys

Gayle Rebel, MA

Administrative Principal

Laurie Owens, MFT

Clinical Director

Location

Thank you for your interest in the North Hills Prep. We encourage you to attend our Open Houses.

For dates and times and to RSVP, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@thehelpgroup.org or 877-943-5747.

North Hills Prep – Van Nuys Saticoy

15339 Saticoy Street
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 584-6103