Loading...Work is underway to open an academy for children with special needs from kindergarten through the 12th grade at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2233 Woodbourne Ave., in Louisville.
The Academy at St. Andrew's will be focused on providing instruction to young people who have been variously placed on the autism spectrum and other students with developmental disabilities. The maximum number of students attending w
ill be limited to 30.
Five assumptions about children underlie the the academy's curriculum and teaching methods:
- All children have value.
- All children can learn; all have teachable moments.
- Learning is an around-the-clock process.
- Children learn in different ways.
- Effective communication skills are critical in engaging with individuals and participating in the community.
To this end, the academy will offer a lot of individualized therapy such as social interaction, structured play, and pre-academics, but it will not rely on just one teaching methodology for all students. Instead, the staff will use methodologies for each individual student based on that particular student's needs. So far, seven teaching methodologies for students with autism and developmental disabilities have been identified. Teachers will be trained in all seven to insure consistent interaction with students.
Teacher / student ratios will be one to four, one to three, and one to two depending upon the individual student's level of learning and degree of independence. There will also be one on one instruction for speech therapy, reading, behavior modification and other courses.
Eight rooms in St. Andrew's education wing are currently being renovated for the start of school. Three rooms will be used as classrooms, and the fourth will serve as the office. Four other rooms have been designated as "pull out" rooms where the youngsters will receive one-on-one instruction.
The academy's fall term will begin August 16, but a five-week summer session will be held at the church from June 28 to July 30.
For more information, visit www.theacademy-standrews.org, or contact Susan Fowler at sfowler@theacademy-standrews.org or by calling 502-473-7219.
