Neurodivergent Academy

Teacher Sharon Rose with Ellie S., a member of the Lifelong Learning Cohort.

In 2023, after 20 years in residential, private, and public schools, Massachusetts Certified special educator, Sharon Rose Alterman, MS.Ed., decided to create a space where neurodivergent students could be taught and mentored by neurodivergent educators to learn in authentic ways that promote problem solving, self-advocacy, and creative thinking, the “real world” skills they’ll need after graduation.

“I founded Neurodivergent Academy because I was frustrated by the limits of the traditional school environment and the ways in which it was failing students of all neurotypes.”

Programs

Fill out an interest form

Lifelong Learning (L3) Program

In person, hybrid, and virtual learning programs for individuals over 18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities

When school services end at 21, many individuals with disabilities are left facing questionable day programs or long days at home. The L3 Program seeks to change that narrative. Built on core values of self-advocacy and self-determination, certified educators work with individuals to create meaningful instruction in areas such as directing their own care, personal safety, and student-led projects. Small social groups match individuals with similar interests who may otherwise never get the chance to connect.

But learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and for individuals with significant support needs, it’s not enough just to teach skills to the individual. Training and support are also provided to the family and other care providers to build skills that transcend the learning environment.

Sliding scale payment plans are available. Most states have waiver or other adult funding programs and we can help you apply for those opportunities as part of the family training.

Home and Virtual School Program

Personalized hybrid and virtual education programming consisting of both synchronous asynchronous learning each day for students ages 5-18.

It seems like every day there’s another news headline about traditional schools failing neurodivergent students. As an educator, I know the truth that traditional schools don’t like to admit: the problem isn’t the student, it’s not even a single teacher, program, or school.

The problem is the traditional school model itself.

The neurodivergent brain is wired differently and so requires a different approach. Learners at Neurodivergent Academy cover the same topics and content that they need to be “college and career” ready with one big difference.

We work with all of our students to develop the executive functioning, self-determination, and courage to advocate for their needs and to pursue excellence in their post-secondary endeavors.