The STEPS Program: A Supported Pathway Back from School Refusal
STEPS is Sage Alliance Schools’ program designed to support students experiencing school refusal. We know that the first step to academic success is showing up, and for some students with mental health challenges, that’s not easy. The STEPS Program meets students where they are and guides them back into the school environment with care, structure, and flexibility.
STEPS stands for Sage Transition Exposure Progression Success, and those words reflect the heart of the program. We begin with a thoughtful transition, offering supports like virtual check-ins with therapists, after-hours building visits, and one-on-one introductions to trusted staff. As students build comfort, we gradually increase their exposure to the school day, starting with a single class or lunch period, and growing from there.
With each milestone, students experience progression, a deeper connection to their school community and a growing ability to manage the academic and social expectations of the day. The ultimate goal is success: helping each student fully reengage in learning, with confidence and consistency, and in partnership with our therapeutic and academic teams.
Through STEPS, families gain a trusted plan, and students gain a renewed path forward.
What Families Can Expect:
Each STEPS plan is tailored to the student’s unique needs, and may include:
- Virtual support before arrival: Daily brief video check-ins (5–10 minutes) with a dedicated therapist to build rapport and reduce anxiety.
- Slow and flexible exposure: From initial after-school visits to meet staff, to attending a single class or lunch period, students are introduced to the Sage environment in manageable steps.
- Therapeutic consistency: Ongoing therapist involvement through in-person and virtual sessions—especially on days when attendance is challenging.
- Incremental progression: Flexible arrival and departure times, with increasing expectations for time in the building and classroom participation as the student is ready.
- Personalized schedule: One-to-one transition planning that supports the student’s gradual integration into both the academic and therapeutic community at Sage.
- Clear, compassionate communication: If a student is absent, our staff proactively follows up with the family and offers virtual support as needed.
The Goal of STEPS
Our goal is to help students reengage with school in a way that feels safe, supported, and achievable—leading to long-term academic, emotional, and social success.
