Studio Art
Drawing, painting, and mixed media in an open studio with adjustable easels and tactile tools.
Programs
Pathways built for how you learn best
Every program at Common Grounds is designed with accessibility at its core. Students choose a primary pathway while exploring across disciplines — because real learning doesn't stay in one lane.
🔬 STEM & Technology
Our STEM pathway integrates science, engineering, math, and computer science through hands-on, project-based learning. Labs are equipped with adaptive tools — adjustable workstations, screen magnifiers, tactile models, and voice-controlled software — so every student can experiment, build, and discover.
Highlights include a year-long senior capstone project, partnerships with local tech companies, and an assistive technology design lab where students build tools that solve real accessibility problems.
| Course | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Intro to Engineering Design | 9 | Design thinking and prototyping with adaptive maker tools |
| Computer Science Principles | 9–10 | Coding fundamentals with screen-reader compatible environments |
| Biomedical Science | 10–11 | Human body systems, diagnostics, and health equity |
| Assistive Tech Design Lab | 11–12 | Students design and build assistive devices for real users |
| STEM Capstone | 12 | Year-long independent research or community project |
🎨 Visual & Performing Arts
The arts are not an elective at Common Grounds — they're a pathway. Our studios are multi-sensory by design: tactile materials, visual music notation, audio descriptions of visual work, and adaptive instruments. Every student can create, perform, and exhibit.
Students build portfolios across media — painting, sculpture, digital art, film, music production, and theater — and present their work at our annual Spring Arts Showcase, which includes a sensory-friendly viewing hour.
Music Production
Digital audio workstations with visual feedback, adaptive MIDI controllers, and collaborative composition.
Theater & Performance
Inclusive productions with ASL interpretation, audio description, and roles for every ability.
Documentary Film
Storytelling through film with captioning, audio description, and adaptive editing software.
🌍 Social Studies & Civic Life
History is alive at Common Grounds. Students engage with primary sources, oral histories, community organizing projects, and simulations that bring the past and present into conversation. Our social studies pathway emphasizes justice, belonging, and the power of civic participation.
Seniors complete a Civic Action Project — a semester-long initiative addressing a real issue in their community, from accessibility audits of local businesses to voter registration drives.
💬 Peer Support Program
Our Peer Support Program trains students to be accessibility advocates, academic mentors, and social connectors. It's one of the features students and families love most about Common Grounds.
Peer Mentors
Upperclassmen paired with incoming students for academic and social support throughout the year.
Access Ambassadors
Student leaders who audit school spaces, suggest improvements, and lead awareness campaigns.
Buddy System
Voluntary social pairings for students who want extra support navigating new environments or transitions.
📐 College & Career Prep
Every student at Common Grounds graduates with a post-secondary plan — whether that's a four-year college, community college, vocational training, or supported employment. Our college prep program includes full accommodation support through the application process.
Application Support
Help with essays, applications, accommodation letters, and scholarship searches — starting junior year.
Career Exploration
Job shadows, internships, and career panels with professionals across industries — all accessible placements.
Transition Planning
For students with IEPs, formal transition planning begins in 9th grade and includes self-advocacy skill-building.