OUR STORY

Connect Academy provides comprehensive therapeutic day programs designed to meet the unique needs of students with special needs. Our mission is to help students achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals through targeted supports and personalized learning. Connect Academy offers a continuum of services: Connect Academy Early Childhood serves children from Pre-K through kindergarten, fostering foundational skills; Connect Academy East supports kindergarten through second grade, building essential academic and social skills; Connect Academy Main helps students in grades three through eight achieve academic and emotional growth; and Connect Academy High School, opening soon, will prepare students in grades nine through twelve for life beyond the program. Each program focuses on fostering academic, social, and emotional development in a structured and nurturing environment.

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OUR PROGRAMS

At Connect Academy, we provide a continuum of individualized day programs designed to meet the unique needs of every learner, from early childhood through high school. Our programs offer structured therapeutic support, targeted educational services, and opportunities for personal growth to help participants achieve their fullest potential.

Connect Academy Main supports students in grades three through eight with a structured, therapeutic approach that fosters academic achievement, emotional growth, and behavioral success in alignment with their IEPs.

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Connect Academy East serves students in kindergarten through second grade, offering individualized instruction and therapeutic services to help young learners meet their IEP goals and build skills for future success.
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Connect Academy Early Childhood serves children from Pre-K through kindergarten, providing a nurturing environment where foundational social, emotional, and academic skills are developed through personalized learning and therapeutic support.

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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Connect Academy is currently accepting referrals for new students!

Our referral process is designed to make it easy for families, school districts, and community partners to connect with us and explore the right support for each student’s unique needs. If you’re interested in learning more about enrollment at Connect Academy, visit our Referral Process page for detailed information on how to get started.

Referral Process

At Connect Academy, we believe in a holistic and individualized approach to education, catering specifically to students with varying disabilities. Our philosophy centers on the integration of academic instruction with therapeutic interventions, recognizing the diverse needs of our students. We are committed to small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support. By incorporating research-based academic programming and a comprehensive SEL curriculum, we aim to foster not only academic success but also social and emotional growth. We utilize the therapeutic benefits of art, music, and movement to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

- Connect Academy Philosophy

OUR PURPOSE

​CONNECT ACADEMY
​MISSION STATEMENT
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​Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art therapeutic day programs for students grades Pre-K through Eight with varying disabilities. Through personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a dedicated team, we aim to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of our students using research-based programs and therapeutic approaches.

​CONNECT ACADEMY
​VISION STATEMENT

​Our vision is to create an inclusive educational environment where students with emotional and behavioral challenges are empowered to excel academically, socially, and emotionally, supported by a compassionate team of educators and therapists.

ADVISORY BOARD

Connect Academy's advisory board is composed of seasoned experts in special education who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their guidance and insights are instrumental in shaping our programs and ensuring we provide the best possible support for our students.

Will McDermott
President

Will McDermott is the co-founder and president of Hopewell Transportation, recently acquired by First Student, which provides safe, reliable transportation services to students receiving special education services. Previously, Will served as Principal of Hopewell Academies from 2007 to 2018, where he identified the need for a new approach to Special Education Transportation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Loras College, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University, and an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from Lewis University. Will also teaches Leadership Development at Purdue University and remains committed to enhancing educational opportunities for special needs students through his work at Connect Academy.

Susan King
Special Education Professor, George Washington University

Dr. Susan King is a seasoned special educator, researcher, and professor based in the Washington, D.C. area. With extensive experience as a special educator in one of the largest school districts in the area, Dr. King has also served as an assistant professor at Juniata College and as a faculty member at The George Washington University. Her expertise includes assessment, teacher training, behavior management, and working with families of students with special needs. Dr. King has consulted with schools, served as an expert witness, and conducted independent educational evaluations. She has chaired the National Advisory Committee for the HEATH Resource Center and serves on the FirstServes National Advisory Board. Active in her community, Dr. King is involved in various church activities and continues to support educational initiatives for special needs students.
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Professor Jim Brown
Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota

Professor Jim Brown retired in January 2015 as a professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota. Throughout his career, he directed the Minnesota Research and Development Center for Vocational Education and numerous evaluation projects, including the state-wide Tech Prep system. As a teacher educator since 1978, Professor Brown taught courses on instructional methods, student retention strategies, program development, diversity issues, and quantitative research methods. He has obtained and directed over $1MM in R&D grants and published more than 75 journal articles. His professional interests in education and business training strategies have extended to flight training, reflecting his personal interests. Professor Brown's extensive contributions to education and special needs have significantly impacted the field.