4 minute read
Baron Academy
By Gabby Gregory
As Kristine Erice watched her son, Dylan, and his 14 classmates high fi ve and cheer one another on during a group activity at Exceptional Academy for Differently-Abled Learners, Inc., she
“just sat there and cried [her] eyes out. [She] really felt validation. To see these kids just making friends and cheering each other on was everything to [her].” Kristine began fundraising to found the private, non-profi t Exceptional Academy for Differently-Abled Learners, Inc. in August 2019. By January 2020, the school was open for 15 students in grades 1-6 with autism and related disabilities to come and learn not only academic subjects, but also social and life skills. Kristine‛s motivation for starting the school, which is the only one of its kind in St. Lucie County, was to provide Dylan, and other local children with autism and related disabilities, an environment where the focus is on their abilities instead of their disabilities. Kristine explains, “Every child is different, so we really look at each individual child and what their needs are and we basically cater to those. It‛s like getting the homeschool experience, but the parents aren‛t doing the homeschooling, we are. And the kids also get that social piece because they‛re with all of these other kids.” The response to the new 34 VOL. 518 A Copyrighted© My Living Magazines. 2021 All Rights reserved. To Advertise call 772-617-4960
school was so considerable that Kristine had to form a waiting list. She and her husband, Matt Saxton, who is the CFO of the academy, knew that they would have to expand so that they could serve even more families. Opportunity came knocking when Kristine made a last minute decision to enjoy lunch with her mentor. At the same time, Jeremiah Baron, a well-known and respected real estate agent, walked into the same restaurant and was introduced to Kristine through her mentor. Baron has two children who are on the spectrum, so he and Kristine chatted about her school and its mission. Soon after, Baron provided the funds to expand the Exceptional Academy for Differently-Abled Learners to become Baron Academy. The new Baron Academy is in a larger location, so it will be able to accommodate up to 80 students beginning this school year. Additionally, children in grades K-8 will now be able to enroll at the school. Baron Academy will have 1 teacher for every 18 students, so the individualized focus and care will remain consistent with the expansion. Most of the students also have a one-on-one ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapist who accompanies them throughout the school day, but if your child does not have one, then Kristine will help you fi nd one! Insurance pays for this service, and Kristine works with specifi c companies who prioritize pairing each child with a therapist who is a good fi t. Additionally, you don‛t have to stress about your fi nances if your child attends Baron Academy. The school is part of the Florida State Scholarship Program, and Kristine will help you through the process of applying for the right aid. Anyone can attend Baron Academy, you don‛t have to live in St. Lucie County! If you‛re willing to drive your child to Port St. Lucie, then Baron Academy welcomes you with open arms. Kristine understands that it can be a real challenge to fi nd the right school and environment for children with autism, especially in this area, so she wants to support
Kristine & Dylan Erice
parents in their search. Even if Baron Academy isn‛t the right fi t for your child, then Kristine is willing to help you fi nd the best opportunity. She explains, “When my son was fi rst diagnosed, I had nobody. And it‛s a really lonely, scary place. I don‛t ever want anybody to feel that way. I know a lot of people in the community. And if I don‛t know the answer then I will reach out to someone and we will fi nd it for you to help your child.” If you‛re interested in enrolling your child at Baron Academy for the upcoming school year, then call or email Kristine to set up a tour. She‛ll show you the new building and explain the academy‛s mission and model, as well as talk with you about your child and his/her/their needs.
Baron Academy is located at 8556 Commerce Centre Drive in Port St. Lucie. The 2021 school year begins on Tuesday, August 10, and classes are held Mondays-Fridays from 8:30AM--2:30PM. For more information, please call 772-777-4830, email kerice@exceptionalacademypsl.com, or visit exceptionalacademypsl.com.
Kristine, Matt, and Jeremiah plan to expand Baron Academy even more in the future to serve students in grades K-12. They will also form a job training and vocational facility on the campus, partner with area businesses, and help the kids get hired and become more independent. For now, Baron Academy wants to build a playground for the kids, but the project is very expensive. They need your help! Please consider donating to Baron Academy to help. Kristine says, “These kids are amazing and can do anything if you just take the time to know them. They‛ll show you their gifts and it‛ll change your life.”
Copyrighted© My Living Magazines. 2021 All Rights reserved. To Advertise call 772-617-4960 VOL. 518 A 35
