I'm Stephanie Willson, representing Discover Community School. We're an independent private school in Tampa, FL for children with cognitive disabilities and their typical peers. Our purpose is to support every learner, to meet children at their ability and offer project based learning by differentiating curriculum, playing to students strengths and providing a home school like environment.

We have organized our team of educational staff and advisors:

• me- I'm a small business owner and a parent who has 'been there' in both starting companies and maneuvering the world of exceptional student education 

• an advisor- she holds her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is certified by the American Montessori Society (AMS) for ages 6-9.  Currently, she is home schooling her two daughters in coastal Oregon.

• our classroom teacher- she is a 30+ year veteran teacher. She holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and also has a Masters degree in reading. Her teaching certificate is active and issued through the state of Florida, and includes an Exception Student Education (ESE) endorsement, as well as an endorsement for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
  

Together, we intend to offer an educational environment that recognizes students' strengths and supports all learners. Our next hurdle is to be fully prepared to welcome our incoming class and secure an appropriate location for our school.

Here's what we need:

We need to raise $7,500 to cover the cost of a commercial lease or we won't be able to adequately prepare before the arrival of our students, so we're turning to our supporters to ask for contributions.

Your contribution will help us prepare for our incoming students- we may be able to offer a summer program as well. Further, it will help us reach children who need more individual and creative attention to reach their full potential.

This campaign will help us bridge the gap between a good idea and a good education for kids falling through the cracks. Our classroom is modeled on proven and evidence based neurobiology, not standardized testing or arbitrary benchmarks.

If our goal is not met, the funds will be used for the same purpose. We will still go forward with our opening date of August, 2014, but we may go with a second or third choice location or we may use the funds to cover fewer months of the lease.

What's the benefit?

The value of our project lies in making sure our most vulnerable students are safe, supported, and excited about learning. If we can instill the knowledge that every student is valuable and has potential- then we can call it a success.

Every little bit helps

Even if you can't donate right now, you can help us! Share on Facebook, +1, tweet, email, or blog about our project! Tell your friends!
Thank you for all you do!