By Dawn Pearson
Midwest Academy has found a new home.
The school serves grades 4 through 12 and focuses on children who have autism, social anxiety and other conditions that require a school that teaches according to their learning differences.
The academy is a specialized school with values that define its innovative academics. Those values begin in a respectful and inclusive environment that cultivates the potential in each student, embraces unique and divergent thinking, fosters resilience and determination and helps each student develop integrity.
“This school is the premiere school in Indiana for kids with high-functioning autism, ADHD, learning challenges, test anxiety kids and overall children who do not learn well in large classrooms,” said Jane Grimes, owner of “Autism Companion” magazine.
The school’s new building at 1420 Chase Ct. in Carmel has 20,000 square feet, 7,000 more square feet then their former location, according to Myra Cocca, a Midwest Academy board member.
“(The new building) will provide more learning space and allow us to accommodate up to 120 students who need our type of education,” Cocca said. Enrollment maximum was 90 at the former location.
“We will also be able to provide an expanded curriculum. For example, for the first time we will have dedicated science labs as well as an art room with both wet and dry areas. And we will create a physical identity in the community. The more visible location of the new school means more young people who have struggled in other education settings will be able to hear about Midwest Academy,” she said.
And this school is making a big impact on students and their families.
“My daughter Taylor has Autism and has attended (Midwest Academy) for almost 3 years now, and it’s changed her life and our family for the better. I cannot say enough great things about Kevin Gailey, head of the school and our teachers,” Grimes said. “This school is very progressive and forward thinking. And the new school is beautiful.”
Midwest Academy’s new building cost approximately $3 million, $1.8 million of which has been raised through a fundraising campaign.
Classes began on Oct. 29. For more information visit www.mymidwestacademy.org.
