TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Parents and students are raving about a new learning center for autistic students in Tallahassee.
The Inspire Autism Academy is wrapping up it's first week.
It's the first academy of its kind to serve moderate to high-functioning students on the autism spectrum.
Nathan Moore is the seventh grader who used to dread going to school.
"I just hated it, I absolutely hated it," said Moore. "There were a lot of bullies. There were sometimes mean teachers."
Now, Nathan is one of eight students who attend the Inspire Autism Academy instead of going to a mainstream school. The tuition is fully funded by a state scholarship. Nathan's mother is one of the academy's administrators, helping guide parents through the education process.
"We serve the moderate to high-functioning end of the spectrum. Those kids tend to get put into the mainstream classes and fall through the cracks," said Jean Moore, Nathan's mother.
At the Inspire Academy, students get one-on-one attention from a teacher who understands how the students' disabilities affect their learning.
"The teacher sits down with the parents and really plans out what their goals are for their child and then tailors the curriculum to that individual kid," said Jean Moore.
"Here, the teachers are strict when we need it and isn't strict when it's not necessary and it's just really fun and nice," explained Nathan.
On top of the classroom, this center has a library and a sensory room. Parents are also connected with therapy services as part of their child's education.
Since the center is so new, they're only taking 15 children for this first year. There are still a few spots open.
For more information on how to apply, click here.
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