Next Steps at Westport Day School

The Next Steps Program is a one-year, individualized 5th-year transition program designed for students who have completed their high school requirements but are not yet fully prepared to transition into college or the workforce. The program provides a structured, supportive pathway that helps students build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for success in adult life.

Our approach centers on purposeful exposure and structured skill development. Through direct instruction and carefully scaffolded support, students are guided step by step as they build confidence in managing the academic, social, and professional expectations they will encounter beyond high school. Students actively practice newly acquired skills to reinforce learning, strengthen independence, and develop their identity as post–high school learners.

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Our Mission

The Next Steps Program empowers students to successfully transition from high school to adult life through individualized support, purposeful exposure, and structured skill development. By providing a guided, one-year pathway, the program equips students with the academic, social, and professional skills necessary to build confidence, foster independence, and navigate the expectations of college, career, and community life.

Core Program Pillars

Academic & Executive Functioning

Dual Enrollment: Post University coursework with comprehensive, individualized feedback.
Credit Retrieval: Targeted class retakes to strengthen academic standing and improve GPA.
Executive Function Coaching: One-on-one progress monitoring focused on organization, time management, planning, and self-advocacy using The Executive Function Project curriculum.

Career Exploration & Job Coaching

Hands-on Experience: Internships with local business partners, paid/unpaid work placements, or approved student-secured part-time jobs.
Dedicated Job Coaching: Onsite workplace readiness instruction covering communication, professionalism, and real-world problem-solving.
Site Visits & Check-Ins: Monthly site visits and regular progress monitoring to ensure meaningful career growth.

Personalized College & Career Counseling

Pathway Discovery: Identifying career interests, strengths, and long-term postsecondary goals.
College Readiness: Step-by-step assistance with college search, application prep, and interview coaching.
Actionable Transition Plan: Graduating with a clear, realistic roadmap tailored to each student's unique aspirations.

Social & Interpersonal Skill Development

Structured Socialization: Three daily dedicated socialization opportunities.
Clinical Support: Weekly 30-minute group social work sessions guided by clinical staff using evidence-based socialization frameworks.
Peer Connection: Guided practice in building relationships, navigating social nuances, and strengthening self-awareness.