Finding the Right School: One Parent’s Aspire Charter Academy Story

In this Aspire Charter Academy parent review, one of our treasured families shares their experience with us:

We found Aspire Charter Academy in 2022. My son was entering 1st grade and had recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He was struggling heavily in the public school system. Every morning drop-off would end in tears. Every pick-up, I waited to hear about what caused a melt down that day or how he had sat in silence, overwhelmed by the world around him. Eventually, my husband and I started touring alternative schools. Aspire Charter Academy was our first stop.

The intimate nature of the school, the kind and understanding staff, and the ESE certified teachers in every classroom made us feel that we had finally found a place where our son could be comfortable enough to be himself. His progress was not immediate, but the Aspire staff never gave up on him. For the first few months, he waited nervously outside his class as his classmates filed in to their seats, afraid to go in. A paraprofessional would wait with him until he was ready. He began to receive Speech and Occupational therapy on campus. His confidence grew. He gained his voice. Every year, he came out of his shell a little more.

He formed close bonds with his classmates and became passionate about his hobbies and school work. He learned how to express himself clearly and embrace new experiences without fear. Before trying something new, he would tell me, “I’m going to be brave.” Aspire gave him that.

The administration, the teachers, the on-sight therapist, every member of the staff supported my son in ways I couldn’t imagine. Now, a 5th grade graduate and incoming middle school student, he is excited for his new endeavors and I know that he’ll take everything he learned at Aspire Charter Academy with him along the way. I’m so grateful.