At the high school level, responsibility gradually shifts from students-parents-teachers to students themselves. Students gradually become empowered and independent learners. Our goal is to assist students to become as independent as possible as they transition into post-secondary education and training or into the work force. This includes students who have been classified with an educational disability through the Committee on Special Education.

New York State's mandated high school curriculum is determined by the Regents of the State. Students earn a diploma by completing credit-bearing Regents' level courses, and passing New York State exams. The curriculum itself cannot be changed or modified. In addition, there is a small group of students enrolled in non-credit bearing classes involving a life skills and a practical skills curriculum. This leads to an IEP diploma, and includes required New York State exams.

Students who are within the average range in learning aptitude should be able to succeed in Regent's level classes with good attendance, personal effort, supplementary special education support, and testing accommodations. Several support programs have been developed to provide support at Arlington High School for these students who also have been classified with an educational disability through the Committee on Special Education. The Resource Room is a strong program that is effective for most students with disabilities at the high school level and a general Consultant Teacher program is a lighter alternative for stronger students.