Rise Above Expectations
RISE Academy of Lifelong Learning aims to be the leading immersion school in Southern Indiana, providing students with the highest level of social and academic opportunities in a Christian, faith-based environment. It is our mission to prepare children on the autism spectrum and neurotypical peers for success in their lives, careers, and communities.
Our nonprofit organization provides an excellent, private Christian education option for children in Southern Indiana. Our school is modeled after Oakstone Academy (located in Westerville, Ohio), the nationally-recognized brainchild of scholar Rebecca Morrison, Ph.D. This comprehensive educational model embraces academic excellence, leadership, and community – A model where every child finds an educational home.
RISE Academy will use Oakstone Academy’s Immersion model for education. The immersion model provides side-by-side learning so children on the autism spectrum (ASD) and their neurotypical-developing peers have the same classroom experience for a well-rounded education for all.
We are currently serving preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten with aspirations to add a grade each year, eventually graduating seniors ready to attend college. Our school provides an environment that inspires and empowers our students to reach their own unique potential. Our approach in educational theory combines academic rigor, leadership and social immersion as a foundation in the development of students. Although education is serious, learning should be fun, interactive, and engaging. Children should feel confident and capable. They should experience support to form deep and lasting friendships that enrich their school experience and their lives.
We will use a specialized curriculum created specifically for an autism immersion classroom. Behavior modification will be a focus of this curriculum. Therapy will be available during the school day.
What is Immersion?
Different than the more common inclusion style, immersion education represents full membership, immersing children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and their neurotypical peers in the same classroom. A win/win education.
Meet the Founder
Hello! I’m Melanie Henderson, founder of RISE Academy of Lifelong Learning.
My 4 year old grandson, Carson, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. We couldn’t find support locally to help diagnose or aid in his care. We sought out Oakstone Academy in Westerville, Ohio, where he was not only diagnosed but also invited to a summer program. Carson, non-verbal, attended the program for eight weeks and he flourished! We witnessed more growth and improvements than we had in his entire life! Unfortunately, we have not seen that level of growth since returning to local options. So, I decided to start a school in New Albany, Indiana, so that my grandson and other children on the autism spectrum can enjoy a school where they feel loved, are supported in a way that allows them to excel and are given the tools to thrive. RISE Academy will equip them to reach their greatest potential.
…gives our family immediate relief!
“I cannot tell you how happy I am that RISE Academy is opening in my hometown of New Albany, Indiana! As a mother to my 4-year-old, non-verbal son, finding the best places and programs for him to attend school and thrive has always been my first priority, yet very challenging. Having a child with special needs requires a team effort and a lot of support from family, friends, therapists, and doctors. As full-time working parents, a typical day with appointments, and therapies has its challenges. Knowing his services will be under one roof gives our family immediate relief. I am looking forward to the leaps and bounds my son will make at RISE Academy alongside the support of our great community!” - Courtney
Our children learn it’s OK to be different.
“I am so excited to welcome RISE Academy to our community. Since my son’s diagnosis of autism over two years ago, I have learned more than I ever thought I would. But I also realized that actual resources for my neurodiverse child were all a very cookie-cutter mentality. I found many places, especially schools, that spoke about being inclusive but didn’t actually put that into practice.
RISE Academy merges neurotypical and neurodiverse students in each classroom and provides appropriate resources to all students. By doing this, our children learn that it’s OK to be different. They learn empathy and have deeper and more caring relationships than in other environments. Children are exposed to teachers that are equipped with different teaching styles to think outside the box. When society segregates students just because of their differences, it tends to hinder their growth. Integrating them helps teach neurodiverse students what typical social behavior looks like, just by watching their peers.“
- Leah
He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
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Isaiah 40:11
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