Transforming Lives: The Groundbreaking Autism-Focused Charter School in Monroe

In a heartwarming story of parental dedication and community support, a new charter school in Monroe, Louisiana, is opening its doors to provide specialized education for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Academy of Collaborative Education (A.C.E.), a labor of love for its co-founder Maddie Canon, is set to revolutionize the educational landscape for these exceptional students.

Empowering Autistic Children to Thrive

A Passion-Driven Endeavor

The journey to establish A.C.E. has been a deeply personal one for Maddie Canon, whose own son's experiences inspired her to create a school that caters to the unique needs of children with ASD. "As parents, we'd do anything for our kids, we would die for them, and as a momma, I started a school for mine," Canon shared, her voice filled with emotion. The school's name, A.C.E., is a tribute to her son, reflecting the family's unwavering commitment to providing the best possible education and support.

A Specialized Curriculum and Supportive Environment

A.C.E. is designed to be a haven for children with ASD, offering a curriculum and learning environment tailored to their specific needs. With free tuition and grades ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, the school will provide two classrooms per grade, ensuring a personalized approach to education. "This school means the world to me," expressed parent Rudy Turner, whose child has struggled to fit into traditional school settings due to communication and behavioral challenges. "He doesn't fit into most schools because he isn't verbal enough to stay in the grade that he's in. Yet he needs to get up, he needs to walk around, he needs to stim, and this place allows him to do that."

A Rare and Vital Resource

A.C.E. is one of only 10 charter schools in the country dedicated to serving children with ASD, a neurological and developmental condition that affects communication, learning, behavior, and social interaction. The overwhelming response from the community, with hundreds of applicants from across the state, underscores the pressing need for such specialized educational opportunities. "The need for this school was huge," Canon acknowledged, highlighting the transformative impact A.C.E. will have on the lives of these exceptional students and their families.

A Community-Driven Endeavor

The establishment of A.C.E. has been a true collaborative effort, with the school raising over 0,000 in local donations and countless volunteer hours from dedicated community members. This outpouring of support reflects the deep-rooted belief that every child deserves access to an education that empowers them to reach their full potential. "A.C.E. has raised more than 350,000 dollars in local donations, and multiple members of the community dedicated thousands of volunteer hours," a testament to the community's unwavering commitment to this transformative project.

A Delayed but Determined Opening

While the original start date for A.C.E. was set for July 29, the school has now been pushed back to Monday, August 5. This slight delay, however, does not diminish the excitement and anticipation surrounding the school's opening. The community eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness the positive impact A.C.E. will have on the lives of its students and their families, as they embark on a journey of academic and personal growth.