8 minute read
Making the Right Choice for Education
Living in a county like Gwinnett means you have dozens of options for education, but how do you know which path is the right one for your child? For many parents, there is only one right choice: Choice Educational Academy (CEA) in Stone Mountain.
CEA isn’t just another school – it has taken the extra step to combine traditional learning with alternative methods to give each child a unique experience that both works within any challenges and encourages new exploration in education.
The leader of this educational charge to victory is Nancy Gordeuk, whose considerable experience in the teaching field makes her a natural success at running a school like CEA. It all began fifteen years ago, when Nancy was searching for the right educational fit for her son, who was struggling with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder. As a teacher herself for many years, Nancy recognized that, while her son was more than capable of learning the material he needed to know, the traditional school system was not able to give him the tools and guidance he needed to work with his difficulties. This prompted Nancy to begin homeschooling her son – and Choice Educational Academy was born.
Word spread quickly through the community, and soon Nancy found herself tutoring local students, as well as helping them with credit recovery in order to earn their high school degree.
“People know I love kids, and that I just want to help them succeed,” said Nancy. With more and more regular students coming to learn, Nancy knew she would need a bigger space to accommodate everyone. The school operated in a building in Lilburn for some time, and when they outgrew that space, Nancy found another building that was available in Stone Mountain. In 2012, Choice Educational Academy officially opened its doors to the public, inviting all types of learners to join them.
CEA is distinct among its peers for many reasons, but especially with its excellent teacher/student ratios. Each classroom only has between eight to 10 students, and if their number begins to grow, CEA works to open a new classroom instead of just adding more students to existing classes. This allows each teacher to offer one-on-one time with each student and work with them to overcome his or her particular challenge. This model means every student has a high chance of success as each begins to understand how he or she learns and how that can be applied to the classroom.
Smaller class sizes also allow Nancy to be more hands-on with each student in her school, so much so that kids often seek her out to tell her about their day or to ask her questions. “I love to see the kids and hear about what’s going on in their lives,” said Nancy. “I see everyone’s grades daily, and am able to guide them through which steps they need to take next if they want to succeed.”
CEA also offers a program specifically designed to help students improve their reading and catch up to the reading level of their peers. Led by Keyanna Moreau, the program is tailored to find out how each student learns the best, and then offers resources to increase reading skills. The program is a transitional one, created specifically for students to participate in until they are able to attend a class with their peers. It may take one year, or three, but CEA continues to work with every need until the student graduates.
“The one thing I want parents to know is that a learning disability does not dictate a student’s success!” Keyanna said. “A child may take some time to blossom, but once they Continued on page 14
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caregivers of the fragile elderly. “Our participants have grown to love their visits to their friends at Calvin Cove,” says Renee. “The ability for them to give more than they receive is empowering; it allows them to not just feel, but to know they are making a difference and giving back to those who really need their special attention.”
Beyond giving back are the participant-staffed fundraising efforts such as Joe on the Go, a mobile coffeehouse. Participants are SUPER excited about this new venture. “We are looking forward to local businesses and organizations scheduling events for us to come serve coffee & hot chocolate,” says Susan. “We can also serve baked goods.” Currently the participants will be selling muffins created at Special Kneads & Treats in Lawrenceville by exceptionally talented employees.
Weaving the Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta throughout the fabric of the Greater Gwinnett Area came naturally for the three founding members. Each woman brings her own unique perspective to the area of serving. When the former students started to find themselves with very little to do compared to their daily lives in transition programs through the school system, it became apparent that something needed to be done. And now the program is all systems go with a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and initiative from staff and participants alike.
“The participants drive the program by their interests, and we guide the details,” says Susan. “It really does work out for all involved.”
Like anything else, keeping costs at a minimum, providing staff, paying for supplies, gas, product, and all things involved in the running of any program takes vision and hard work. To be effective, the team is committed to keeping each group small enough to really get to know one another, yet offering several groups each week. “We believe that smaller groups provide the opportunity for deeper social connections with other program participants, as well as enhanced opportunities for engagement,” adds Renee. “Traveling within the community allows our participants to really become a part OF the community. And that is powerful – something we truly believe in.” More information at https://www.efatl.org/
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