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Map Maker

Waymaker


 Waymaker is our academic cornerstone, designed to prepare students for successful transitions by emphasizing academic readiness and skill-building. There’s no set timeline—students stay as long as they and their families are making progress.  Focus: Academic readiness and preparation for transition to other educational environments.In Waymaker, we’re paving the way for students to step confidently into their next chapter. Whether it’s mastering foundational academics or preparing for a specific school’s expectations, we adapt our teaching to fit each learner. Using tools like Edmark manipulatives and Touch Math, we make learning tangible and engaging, all while syncing with the curriculum of bridged schools. Our year-round schedule keeps momentum going, and our 1:1 family sessions—part of our vision if fundraising succeeds—ensure families are partners in this journey.

  • Curriculum: Incorporates Edmark (using manipulatives) and Touch Math, with efforts to align with the curriculum of the student’s target school.

  • Structure: 4-day week, year-round, with standard school breaks; summer sessions shift focus to social skills and communication.

  • Individualized Plans: Built on a framework like Tig’s Plan, which includes:

  • Weekly goals tailored to the student’s academic and transition needs.

  • Regular assessments to track progress in core subjects and skills.

  • Collaborative input from families during 1:1 sessions (held weekly during the school year, same times as planned).

  • Support: 1:1 family sessions to ensure alignment with home goals and transitions.

Pathfinder

Pathfinder is where we meet students where they are, using the STAR program to guide them toward language development and autonomy. It’s about finding their unique path and building the skills to navigate it.  
Pathfinder is the heart of our language and autonomy mission at Map Maker. Using the STAR program, we help students discover their voice and independence, whether through words, actions, or both. Edmark and Touch Math bring hands-on learning to the table, while our year-round rhythm—including a summer boost in communication—keeps growth steady. With 1:1 family sessions in our plan, we’re committed to a collaborative process that lights the way forward, step by step.

  • Focus: Social-emotional learning (SEL), language development, and fostering autonomy.

  • Core Program: STAR program, emphasizing SEL and language-focused strategies.

  • Tools: Edmark manipulatives and Touch Math for foundational skills; curriculum tailored to individual paths.

  • Structure: 4-day week, year-round, with a summer continuation program enhancing language and communication.

  • A typical plan includes:

    • Weekly SEL and language goals based on STAR benchmarks.

    • Progress tracking through observation and family feedback.

    • 1:1 family sessions weekly (same times as planned) towork on home behavior or language concerns

  • Flexibility: No time limit—progress drives the journey.

Social Groups


Our Social Groups extend learning beyond academics, creating a space for students to connect, communicate, and grow together. Summer sessions intensify this focus, making it a cornerstone of our year-round approach.
Social Groups are where community comes alive at Map Maker. Students practice what they’ve learned—language, autonomy, and more—in a supportive, interactive setting. Our 4-day week keeps these connections consistent, while summer ramps up the focus on communication and social bonds. With 1:1 family sessions planned, we’ll ensure these skills ripple into everyday life, building a foundation for lasting relationships.

  • Focus: Social skills, language practice, and peer interaction.

  • Structure: Integrated into the 4-day week during the school year; expanded in summer with a communication emphasis.

  • Activities: Group projects, role-playing, and collaborative games tailored to student needs.

  •  A typical plan might include:

    • Bi-weekly social skills group for skill explanation and practice  (e.g., initiating conversation, turn-taking).

    • Peer-based progress checks during group activities and games

    • Families to connect and find more peer support

  • ​Support: Ties into Waymaker and Pathfinder goals, with summer as a key growth period.

At Map Maker, we believe every student deserves a personalized path to growth, learning, and independence. While we are not accredited, our academic programs are carefully designed, reviewed, and approved for each student by our dedicated board. We operate on a unique 4-day week, year-round schedule, aligning with standard school year breaks while offering an extended summer program focused on social skills, language, and communication. Our goal is to bridge the gap for students transitioning to other educational settings, tailoring our approach to their individual needs. Currently, we are fundraising to open our doors in Fall 2025. Should we meet our goals, we aim to provide a transformative educational experience with 1:1 family sessions integrated into our class structure.

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