Life Skills & Community Readiness Program

Ages 12-22+

Working on creativity skills in our Innovation Lab

Practical Skills for Independence, Confidence, and Everyday Success

  • The Rising Start Life Skills & Community Readiness Program helps students build the practical skills needed for greater independence, stronger social confidence, and real-world success.

  • Designed for students and young adults ages 12–22+, this program provides structured opportunities to practice communication, social interaction, problem solving, and everyday life skills in a supportive small-group environment.

  • This is our most customizable program, allowing families to create a schedule based on their child’s needs, interests, and goals.

  • Participants attend The Rising Start for approximately 4–5 hours per week and may choose from a variety of non-core academic classes and activities focused on life readiness, personal growth, and community participation.

A Flexible Program Built Around Student Goals

  • Every student has different strengths, interests, and next steps. For that reason, the Life Skills & Community Readiness Program is designed to be highly flexible and individualized.

  • Families can choose from a variety of classes and experiences that support growth in areas such as:

    • social communication

    • independence

    • teamwork

    • confidence

    • community participation

    • workplace and life readiness

  • This flexible format allows families to build a program that reflects their child’s developmental priorities, interests, and future goals.

Parent testamonials

Working out at the gym with good friends

Program Options and Activities

  • Families may choose from a variety of classes and activities based on availability and student fit.

  • Examples may include:

    • social skills training

    • music

    • entrepreneurial “maker/creator” skills (hand-crafted gifts)

    • sales and customer service

    • physical education

    • computers and graphic arts

    • life skills instruction

    • community readiness activities

  • These classes are designed to help students strengthen practical abilities while also discovering interests, building confidence, and experiencing success in a supportive setting.

Enrollment Process

  • To ensure the program is a good fit for each student, families begin by scheduling a consultation with our program team.

  • During the consultation we will discuss:

    • your child’s learning needs

    • your homeschool goals

    • how the program may support your family

  • Following the consultation, families will receive additional information about schedule availability and semester tuition.

  • Please fill out information below to schedule a consultation or get additional information

Rising Start Marketplace Storefront With Products Hand-Crafted By Our Students