An inclusive approach to education for students of all abilities.
Impact Academy is a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that was originally incorporated in November 2009. The Academy was founded on the premise that children with disabilities and their families need one main location that encompasses quality therapies and interventions, progressive and life-skills education, and behavioral services. The goal of IMPACT is to provide all services needed by children with disabilities and their families.
Impact Academy’s mission is to provide a school that strengthens independence, encourages growth at all levels, and bridges the gap between educational and therapeutic services.
Students with learning differences, kindergarten through 12th grade (up to 22 years old), are all welcome at IMPACT Academy.
About the Curriculum
IMPACT Academy utilizes a variety of curriculum to meet the varying abilities of our students. We assess each child at the beginning of the school year across all therapy and educational domains through informal means and with the use of standardized testing. Some of the assessment tools that are utilized include:
- NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)
- TeachTown EnCORE
- Teacher-Developed Checklists
- Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Third Edition (KTEA™-III)
- Hawaii Early Learning Profile 3-6 (HELP)
- Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT™-2)
- Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, 6th Edition (VMI)
- Gross Motor Scale
- Goldman Fristoe II (GFTA)
- Oral Written Language Scales (OWLS)
- Beckman Oral Motor Assessment
- Clinical Assessment of Articulation and Phonology (CAAP)
- Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF)

We have two processes for outlining academic and therapeutic goals for the school year:
- Our teachers create an Individualized Developmental Plan (IDP) for each student. Within the IDP, specific academic and transition goals are listed. Parents are an essential part of the multi-disciplinary team and meetings are scheduled to discuss goals for the current school year.
- Our therapists create a Multi-Disciplinary Therapy Plan (MTP) for each student (optional). The MTP summarizes each discipline’s evaluation (occupational, physical, speech, and/or music therapy). Goals are listed and recommendations given based on the strengths and needs of each student. However, it is ultimately the parent’s decision on which therapies are selected for the given school year.
How is academic progress gained?
Academic progress is gained through the teachers’ use of a variety of methods of instruction and curriculum use. The following are some of the resources utilized:
- PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System)
- TeachTown EnCORE
- Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, BEST, and Common Core Curriculum Standards
- CPALMS
- Life Centered Education through the Council for Exceptional Children
- BrainQuest
- BrainPop
- IXL
- Zearn (Math platform)
- ABCya (Academic games and assessment)
- Super Teacher
- Education.com
- Twinkl (Visual supports and worksheets)
- National Geographic Science
- Generation Genius
- Scholastic News
Underlying all growth is each child’s need to feel safe and emotionally ready to learn. Our teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline®. To give you a glimpse of the Conscious Discipline model, an excerpt from the book, Conscious Discipline®: Building Resilient Classrooms (page 16) by Dr. Becky A. Bailey, is provided.
“Conscious Discipline® is based on a Brain State Model that empowers us to shift from educational systems grounded in controlling others to cultures of learning based on safety, connection and problem solving. Conscious Discipline® is organized around the Seven Powers for Conscious Adults that help the adult to manage her internal state (safety), the creation of the School Family that utilizes connection to foster cooperation and optimal brain development (connection), and the Seven Skills of Discipline that empower the adult with strategies to teach children to self-regulate and problem solve (problem-solving).”
School Choice Accountability
IMPACT Academy adheres to all Florida Statutory requirements concerning private schools. More information about our school programs and services can be found here.
In compliance with section 1002.421(1)(h), Florida Statutes, all the teachers employed by IMPACT Academy meet one of the following requirements:
- 3 or more years of public and/or private school teaching
- Special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught
- Baccalaureate Degree or higher
In accordance with section 1006.061(1), Florida Statutes, we have a notice posted that all employees have a duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. If an employee reports, they have immunity from liability and have a duty to comply with child protective investigations. More information regarding the signs of abuse can be found here.
In accordance with section 1006.061(2), Florida Statutes, IMPACT Academy staff receive training on Professional Conduct, Ethics in Education and Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. Training includes the policies and procedures for reporting alleged misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. A poster is displayed at the school location regarding the types of professional misconduct. Reports regarding alleged misconduct may be made to Kevin Kolka by calling (850)325-6301. Penalties imposed on instructional personnel or school administrators who fail to report suspected or actual child abuse or alleged misconduct by other instructional personnel or school administrators may result in termination and revocation of an educator’s certificate. View the IMPACT Academy Code of Ethics here.