Parenting a child with Down syndrome is complicated.
Moreover, finding a school appropriate for children with special requirements can be more difficult, yet every parent hopes their child will be accepted into a school that is a good match for them.
This post explains Down Syndrome, the admission requirements, and the top Down syndrome Schools in Florida.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic abnormality in which a person has an extra chromosome or chromosome segment. The additional copy affects how a baby’s brain and body form.
The extent of intellectual disability and developmental delays caused by Down syndrome varies from person to person.
What causes Down Syndrome?
Having an extra copy of chromosome 21 causes Down syndrome in infants. Trisomy is the medical word for having three copies of a chromosome.
A child born with Down syndrome in the 1940s may expect to live until 12 at the earliest.
A newborn with Down syndrome nowadays has a life expectancy of around 80 years, making them comparable to the general population.
How will I know if my baby has Down syndrome?
Nearly half of all kids born in the United States yearly have Down syndrome, although women over 35 only accounts for a modest percentage of all births.
However, an ultrasound and blood test taken during the first trimester of pregnancy can detect Down syndrome as early as 11 to 14 weeks along.
A blood test called the multiple marker serum screening test can also be used for screening between the ages of 15 and 20 weeks.
Admission Requirements For Down Syndrome Schools in Florida
Down syndrome schools in Florida accept students with no additional requirements.
Your child needs to fall within the parameters of the special needs the school provides for you to enroll them there.
If your child has attended another school before enrolling at this one, you may be requested to supply that school’s records as part of the application process.
10 Best Down Syndrome Schools in Florida
- North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE)
- Atlantis Academy Palm Beaches
- Arbor School of Central Florida
- Promised Land Academy
- Our Sacred Academy
- Alpine Academy
- Divine Academy of Broward Special Needs School
- Center Academy
- Reach Academy
- Livingstone Academy
1. Livingstone Academy
Livingstone Academy is a private, non-profit school for students with learning difficulties. This school provides individualized services to students in grades 1-8 at each site.
In this school, students with Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism, Asperger’s, Speech and Language impairments, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, down syndrome, and Cognitive and Developmental delays learn in a positive atmosphere.
2. North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE)
NFSSE is one of the top Down syndrome schools in Florida.
This school helps children ages 6-22 with intellectual and developmental challenges learn, flourish, and become their best selves in an innovative academic and therapeutic setting.
NFSSE’s postgraduate programs help 22-40 year-olds thrive with vocational training, internships, life skills, and more.
NFSSE is Northeast Florida’s top learning environment for kids with intellectual and developmental challenges, thanks to these and other innovative programs.
3. Atlantis Academy Palm Beaches
Atlantis Academy Palm Beaches is one of the top Down syndrome schools in Florida.
The school serves challenging kids with learning disabilities.
Atlantis Academy stresses tight parent/teacher/student ties for each kid. Their low student-to-teacher ratio, warm environment, and skilled, caring personnel boost children’s self-esteem.
It has a calm atmosphere and a knowledgeable, supportive team to assist children in developing their social and emotional intelligence.
Since each student has unique preferences for absorbing information, teachers must adapt their teaching strategies accordingly.
Each student’s strategy is tailored to their academic background and rate of progress.
4. Arbor School of Central Florida
Arbor School of Central Florida is one of the best down syndrome schools in Florida.
The school serves children with Down syndrome, dyslexia, high-functioning autism, SLD, and other developmental disorders with a sensory-based curriculum and therapeutic approach.
Arbor School of Central Florida partners with scholarship and financial aid programs.
5. Divine Academy of Broward Special Needs School
Divine Academy of Broward Special Needs School is one of the top Down syndrome schools in Florida.
The school’s primary mission is to help kids on the autistic spectrum and with other special needs reach their full potential academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce.
6. Reach Academy
Reach Academy helps students reach their greatest potential using various instructional methods, technology, and innovative strategies.
They support K-12 kids with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, Down Syndrome, dyslexia, and other developmental and learning impairments at their private, non-profit educational institution.
They work with families, educators, and the community to address the academic requirements of neuro-diverse adolescents.
7. Center Academy
Center Academy is a private, nonprofit institution that has been serving students in grades 4 through 12 with learning disabilities and has been fully certified by regional accrediting bodies since 1968.
This academy is a private institution that caters to kids in grades 6-12 who have learning disabilities by providing them with individualized instruction.
8. Our Sacred Academy
Our Sacred Academy, Inc. was founded to lay the groundwork for the holistic development of students with developmental exceptionalities in learning, socialization, and character development.
Each student’s strengths and potential are recognized and encouraged.
9. Promised Land Academy
Promised Land Academy is one of the top Down syndrome schools in Florida.
Children with autism, Down syndrome, learning difficulties, and other developmental issues can attend their Christian-based full-day school program.
Your child will be safe and loved at Promised Land Academy while learning at his or her own pace with the help of certified teachers and qualified aides.
10. Alpine Academy
Alpine Academy is a specialized school in the Orlando region that serves students with special educational requirements, including those associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, and other emotional and behavioral disorders.
The school’s curriculum is comprehensive and tailored to each student’s needs since it is founded on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and the latest evidence-based teaching practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Down Syndrome Schools in Florida
Location, maternal education, marital status, and Hispanic ethnicity all play a role. The risk of an egg carrying an extra copy of chromosome 21 rises dramatically with a woman’s age, making older women far more likely to have a child with Down syndrome than younger women.
A Down syndrome baby has 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This affects brain and body development.
Down syndrome is not being treated uniformly. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to specific medical conditions, cognitive abilities, and other factors. Care for people with Down syndrome can be provided in the home or community setting.
Yes.
Conclusion:
A person with Down syndrome possesses an additional chromosome or an extra chromosome segment.
The additional copy affects the development of a baby’s body and brain. It can lead to mental and physical difficulties throughout their lives.
Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.
Editor’s Recommendations:
- How to Choose the Right Toy Semi Truck for Your Child
- How to Prepare Your Child for Middle School
- 7 Best Colleges For Early Childhood Education In New England
- How Do I Unenroll My Child From School (FAQs)
- 13+ High Paying Careers Working With Children (FAQs)
- How To Become A Child Psychiatrist (FAQs, Schools)
- Early Childhood Development Degree (How-to, Benefits, Programs)
If you find this article good, please share it with a friend.