OUR STORY

Connect Academy is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and supportive educational environment tailored to meet the unique needs of students with special needs. Our primary goal is to help students achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals through specialized programs and therapeutic day services. The Connect Academy consists of three schools: Connect Academy Main, which serves students in grades third through eighth; Connect Academy East, catering to kindergarten through second grade; and Connect Academy Early Childhood, which supports children ages three to seven. Each school focuses on fostering academic, social, and emotional growth, ensuring that all students reach their full potential in a nurturing and structured setting.

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OUR SCHOOLS

Connect Academy Main serves grades third through eighth, providing a comprehensive therapeutic day program to help them achieve their IEP goals in a supportive environment​.

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Connect Academy East caters to students from kindergarten through second grade, offering specialized educational and therapeutic services adjacent to the administration and middle school location​​.

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Connect Academy Early Childhood provides support to children ages three to seven, focusing on early intervention and foundational skill development in a nurturing setting​.
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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 a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program for students ages 3-15 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
Chairman

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.