At JTC Academy, genuine relationships are the foundation.
Students are met with patience, not punishment. They learn at their instructional level—not based on age, grade, or assumption. Our teachers don’t just manage behavior—they seek to understand it, knowing that every outburst, every shutdown, and every silence has a story behind it.
We approach education through a trauma-informed lens.
We don’t ask, “What’s wrong with you?”—we ask, "How are you?” Our team is trained to respond, not react, and to build consistent routines that help students feel safe, seen, and supported.
Academics are individualized. Emotions are acknowledged. Trust is earned.
Whether a student arrives behind, guarded, or completely disengaged, we start by showing them that this is a place where they belong—and where they can grow at their own pace.
Because at JTC Academy, we don’t just educate students.
We help them heal, reconnect, and succeed.
At JTC Academy, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up fully, staying steady in the storm, and doing what’s best for students, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
This Is What Leadership Looks Like at JTC Academy: United, Unshakable, Unapologetically Student-Centered.
JTC Academy's Mission Statement
JTC Academy is a non-public, day school and the sister company of Transitional Center Inc.(TCI). We serve students in both Illinois and Missouri who have IEPs. At JTC, we combine rigorous academics with trauma-informed programming to meet the full spectrum of student needs.
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Educational Programming
We service the following eligibilities, Grades K-12: LD, OHI, ID, ED, SLP, Multiple Disabilities and students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Successful Transitions
Whether the goal is reintegration into a home high school or preparation for the next educational step, our team partners with students, families, and sending districts to ensure a smooth and supported transition.
Our Therapeutic Team
The JTC Academy Therapeutic Team recognizes the importance and therapeutic value of providing a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment where unconditional regard, empathy, patience, and compassion are cornerstone. We employ a very student-centered, strength-based approach with all youth. Therapy is intended to help youth assess their current situation, explore their innermost thoughts, feelings, and fears, develop effective coping strategies, identify obstacles and impediments, identify and define their life’s purpose, and find resolution to unresolved issues related to abuse, abandonment, grief, and loss. By providing ongoing individualized treatment to each of our youth, we are able to address the identified problem areas while simultaneously monitoring educational and interpersonal progress as well.
