When traditional education failed her autistic son, Anna Moore took matters into her own hands. What began as personal advocacy blossomed into I Am Academy, a sanctuary where children with special needs are celebrated rather than merely accommodated.
Since 2015, this intimate K-12 private school has been transforming lives by rejecting the common misconception that neurodivergent children are simply "defiant." As Anna poignantly explains, behaviors often misinterpreted as intentional misbehavior are actually manifestations of neurological differences requiring patience, understanding, and tailored approaches. Drawing from her experience raising a son with autism and Tourette's syndrome, Anna has created an educational environment where dignity and respect form the foundation of every interaction.
What sets I Am Academy apart isn't just its curriculum, but its deliberate smallness. Anna maintains limited enrollment to ensure each child receives the personalized attention they deserve. Many students have grown up within the school's nurturing embrace, some now transitioning to adulthood after joining as five-year-olds. Before founding the academy, Anna's advocacy work led to landmark changes in Florida legislation, requiring schools to report instances of restraining special needs children – a practice previously conducted without parental notification.
The school operates on a word-of-mouth model, with families finding each other through therapy networks and special education circles. Currently relocating to a more visible location at Kitterman and US1, I Am Academy participates in the Step Up for Students scholarship program, making specialized education accessible to more families. Connect with this remarkable school through Facebook (I Am Academy K312) or by calling 772-380-4400, and discover a place where children with special needs aren't just taught – they're understood, valued, and empowered to be exactly who they're meant to be.