A non-profit organization will open a therapeutic micro-school specifically for children with autism, attention deficit disorder and giftedness.
Founder Kathryn Dubray said she wants to open Anniston Academy because children on the autism spectrum require more help than what public schools are able to provide.
Anniston Academy Principal Erin Mekkaoui (Muh-ow-EE) said she and the founder believe individualized care is the best approach.
“I think it really comes down to how can we best support each child and how can we best support each family and not just rubber stamp it, one size fits all,” Dubray said. ” Recognizing that each situation coming in is going to have a completely different need and possibly different approaches.”
Dubray said all the services special needs children might need will be provided at Anniston Academy. Dubray said this eliminates the need for before and after school care.
“We know that is not feasible for parents who have to work,” Dubray said. “So this is eight to three, Monday thru Friday and we well be offering before and after school care as well.”
“I think that in order to further serve these students in the best way possible, having it all in one location is a unique system for this area,” Mekkaoui said. “It’s also going to serve this area very well and fulfill a very deep need in what the families in this community are looking for.”
Mekkaoui, a former public school teacher, said she saw first hand public schools cannot always meet each child’s needs.
“There are challenges with public schools that we hope to be able to overcome by opening this therapeutic school as a one-stop-shop, so to speak,” Mekkaoui said.
