Why?

"My child isn't learning anything at school".

These frustrated words come from many parents after years of fighting the school system to have academics taught to their children with Down syndrome. Many parents have found that inclusion (placing students with special needs in the regular classroom), works quite well for their children with mental retardation during the early grades, but begins to break down in about the fourth grade. The social, emotional and cognitive gaps widen between these children and their typical peers. While usually well-intentioned, public school personnel are often undertrained and overwhelmed with the number of children with special needs who must be served. Consequently, the children with special needs spend hours every day in classrooms where they cannot comprehend what their classmates are learning, yet are not given appropriate alternatives.
 

How?

As the only private, Christian-based school in Tarrant County for children with Down syndrome ages 8 to 21 and up, Green Oaks School has been an answer to prayer for our students and their families. The school, modeled after the successful Notre Dame School in Dallas, was brought into existence through the efforts of a dedicated and talented group of community leaders, including educators, medical professionals, and concerned parents. Frustrated with the lack of educational opportunities for children with special needs and tired of watching them struggle to belong, the founding board members turned a vision into reality.

Who?

The school opened in August, 2000 with four students, ages 11 to 14, enrolled. With each new school year, we have increased our highest age level and even added a class for younger students. We are currently serving 38 students between the ages of 6 and 26 years old, who function in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation and do not have serious medical involvement or behavior disorders. Our school continues to grow and thrive, changing the lives of individuals and their families for the better.