Redefining Education
For Students with Sensory, Movement & Communication Differences
Our Approach
At The Hirsch Academy, our mission is to create an environment that champions inclusivity and understanding. We are a dedicated neurodiversity affirming school and are committed to celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives of every student. Our team feels passionate about creating an environment where neurodivergent students not only receive quality education but also experience a sense of belonging and autonomy. We believe when students feel seen, heard, and understood for their individual perspectives and capabilities, it boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to embrace their strengths. This mindset is what is needed to create a safe space so our students can learn more about themselves, be curious about the world, and to discover what they deserve and need to thrive in all areas of life.
Who We Serve
At The Hirsch Academy, students bring a variety of sensory, regulation, learning, and communication differences. The scope of differences we support is broad, reflecting the diverse nature of our neurodiverse world.
What Makes Us Different
The Hirsch Academy gathers knowledge, training and perspectives from both the neurodivergent community and those who champion neurodiversity affirming philosophies and practices.
Our dedicated staff presumes competence in our students and offers a curriculum that aligns with age-appropriate standards, including individualized accommodations students might need to access Common Core and Georgia Standards, with yearly accreditation from the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Our curriculum stands as an innovative framework, crafted to deliver meaningful content that ignites curiosity and critical thinking.
Embracing differentiated learning approaches and communication tools, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), The Hirsch Academy ensures inclusivity across diverse learning and communication styles. Beyond the foundation of The Common Core Curriculum, students also participate in a variety of subjects and electives including Philosophy, Critical Thinking, Art, Neuroscience, Blog Writing, STEM/Coding/Robotics, Physical Education, Chess, Yoga, Mindfulness, Swimming and Friday Hikes.
Our leadership team incorporates intensive training for the staff that remains up-to-date throughout the year, adapting and guided by the specific needs of each student. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 3:1, and a class size of no larger than six students, we are able to empower our neurodivergent students to actively engage, foster connections, and develop autonomy as both problem solvers and learners.
Presuming Competence
And Providing Innovative Support for Academic Success
From Our Community
Feedback from Hirsch Parents, Alumni, Staff, and Self-Advocates
Testimonials
EXCEPTIONAL! Hirsch Academy gave my son his rights to dream again. Having learning differences is hard in a traditional school setting for a child who has dreams just like kids without learning differences. The competent and caring teachers at Hirsch Academy believed in him and helped him regain his confidence, so he started believing in himself. Hirsch set the stage for success in high school and beyond. I am eternally grateful to the leadership and staff of Hirsch academy.
My experience whenever I enter or interact with the teachers and students of The Hirsch Academy is one of being able to breathe and fully be me. I believe it is the accepting and empowering, loving and genuine nature of the amazing staff and leadership team that creates this space for the students to be their best selves and to learn deeply.
Hirsch teachers were the first teachers to believe that there was more inside me than anyone else believed. They would not give up until they found a way to communicate with me. They will always presume competence.