Heart of Hope Academy

Student Eligibility

Children are grouped together in clusters of 2-3 based on chronological age, developmental level and educational goals. Careful collaboration with the professionals and parents will determine the educational goals for the student. Minimum requirements for admission are as follows:

Must be at least 6 years of age
Developmentally Delayed
Ambulatory
Toileting Independently
(minimally trip trained, if not a paraprofessional will be required)
Limited Behavioral Difficulties
Able to complete a 1-2 step activity
Needs assistance with all or some daily living skills
(self help, cooking, hygiene, housekeeping)

What do you mean by limited behavioral difficulties?
Heart of Hope Academy is aware that children with special needs often have varied behavioral issues. However, because children are in a social setting at Heart of Hope Academy, we can not admit children with violent behaviors. In assessing for violent behaviors we are concerned with behaviors that would make a child dangerous to self or other.

What is meant by the trip trained?
Students may not have yet learned to identify when they need to use the restroom. However, if they have learned to go at specific intervals, and are able to keep from having accidents, this is called being trip trained. This is a form of toilet training, used initially to help a child learn to make note of the need to go to the bathroom. However, some students continue to use this method into adulthood.

If my child is not toileting independently, how will the paraprofessional be obtained?
Heart of Hope Academy will, along with family cooperation, go through the normal hiring process to identify a paraprofessional that is best suited for your child. They will become an employee of Heart of Hope Academy. You will be billed for the added services being provided by the school.

Why can't I hire my own paraprofessional?
It is the policy of Heart of Hope Academy to do a background check on all hired employees. This allows us to ensure that we hire qualified individuals for your child's care. It also allows us to ensure the safety of our students.

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Frequently asked Questions

How much is tuition? Tuition at Heart of Hope Academy is $32,000 per school year from August to May. Because the Board of Directors realize the financial costs associated with caring for a child with special needs, all students are given a scholarship of $14,000 which is raised throughout the year from fundraisers, grants, and private donations. The net amout due is $18,000. Parents who are approved for the SB10 Scholarship can use this money toward the net amount due of ($18,000) and will be personally responsible for the remaining balance. If parents have received a scholarship exceeding the $18,000, they may apply it toward the full tuition amount of $32,000.

When is tuition due? Tuition is due at the beginning of each semester. If an alternative payment schedule is needed, the family can fill out the required paperwork and the request will be processed on an as needed basis.