Beyond Special Education. An Innovation in Education for Neurodiverse Students in Georgia
Cumberland Academy of Georgia Provides a Cutting-Edge Educational Model that allows neurodiverse students to thrive.
Creating a Supportive Community: At Cumberland Academy of Georgia, we understand the importance of fostering a supportive community not only within our school walls but also extending into the wider community. Through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and professionals, we create opportunities for our students to engage in real-world experiences, internships, and mentorships. This collaborative approach enriches the educational journey of our students and prepares them for meaningful participation in society.
Embracing Neurodiversity in the Classroom
In our classrooms, we celebrate neurodiversity as a strength rather than a limitation. Our teachers receive specialized training in neurodiversity and employ innovative teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning styles. By embracing the unique ways in which neurodiverse students process information, communicate, and engage with the world, we create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Promoting Self-Advocacy and Independence
We believe in empowering our students to become self-advocates and independent thinkers. Through individualized goal-setting, life skills training, and opportunities for self-expression, we instill confidence and autonomy in our students, preparing them to navigate the challenges of adulthood with resilience and determination.
Family Engagement and Support
We recognize the crucial role that families play in the success of our students. That’s why we prioritize open communication, collaboration, and partnership with parents and caregivers. From regular progress updates and parent workshops to family counseling and support groups, we ensure that families feel informed, supported, and involved every step of the way.
Nestled at the intersection of possibility and progress, Cumberland stands as a testament to innovation in education. We are not just a special needs school; we are architects of an inspiring, innovative learning environment designed to nurture the unique strengths and talents of our neurodiverse students.
Innovative Education Redefined
At Cumberland Academy of Georgia, innovation isn’t just a concept; it’s the very essence of our educational philosophy. We’ve crafted an ecosystem that goes beyond traditional approaches, fostering creativity, and enhancing critical thinking, all while laying a foundation for students to further their education that allows them opportunities to live their best independent lives possible.
We Innovate with our Cutting-Edge Educational Model
- Tailored Learning Paths: Personalized, student-centric approaches that celebrate individuality.
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum: A dynamic curriculum designed to inspire and challenge our students in a safe and supportive environment.
- Technology Integration: Harnessing the power of technology to enhance learning experiences.
- A Haven for Neurodiversity: Our commitment to neurodiversity isn’t just a commitment—it’s a celebration. We embrace the unique strengths and perspectives that each student brings, creating a vibrant tapestry of talent and diversity.
- Holistic Support: A comprehensive support that extends beyond academics to nurture the holistic well-being of every student.
- Future-Ready Graduates: Equipping students with the skills and resilience needed for a rapidly evolving world. Our graduates go on to college, trade school, post-secondary programs, or directly into the workforce.
Continuous Improvement and Research
Cumberland is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in education. We actively engage in research, professional development, and collaboration with experts in the field of neurodiversity to refine our practices and stay at the forefront of educational excellence. By staying curious, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving needs of our students, we ensure that our educational model remains cutting-edge and effective.
Be a part of the Innovation at Cumberland. We invite you to be a part of our dynamic community, where innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Together, let’s sculpt a future where every neurodiverse student thrives and discovers their unique path to success.
Our Neurodiverse School’s Pioneering Approach to Community Engagement
CUMBERLAND CARES: A New Initiative from Classroom to Community
Cumberland Academy of Georgia, an innovative school in Sandy Springs, Georgia is the beacon of inclusion and empowerment where education goes beyond the conventional to embrace neurodiverse students. What sets this school apart is not just its commitment to the education of neuro divergent students with diverse abilities, but its unique focus on community engagement.
Founded on the belief that education is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the school walls, Cumberland has pioneered a model that places community engagement as an essential part of its mission. From the students to the staff, everyone at the school is actively involved in fostering connections and building bridges with the broader community through our new Friday “Cumberland Cares” initiative.
Promoting Special Needs Inclusion Through Engagement
Community partnerships are a vital aspect of the school’s engagement strategy. Cumberland actively collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to create inclusive programs that benefit both the students and the community at large. This not only provides students with valuable real-world experiences but also helps break down societal barriers and misconceptions about special needs education.
Since this school year has started, our students have had volunteer and educational engagements with:
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Atlanta Food Bank
- Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
- The Chattahoochee Nature Center
- Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta
- Blue Heron Nature Preserve
- Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta
To promote awareness and understanding, Cumberland has also implemented outreach programs. Teachers and students participate in workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the community about the diverse abilities of the students and the importance of an inclusive education. By fostering understanding, the school aims to create a more supportive and accepting community for everyone.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Cumberland’s community engagement is its commitment to service learning. Students are actively involved in community service projects that not only contribute positively to the community but also instill a sense of purpose and fulfillment. From environmental initiatives to supporting local charities, these projects empower students to make a difference and become active contributors to society.
As we celebrate our student’s achievements at Cumberland, it becomes evident that their approach to community engagement is not just a strategy—it’s a philosophy. By actively involving the community in the educational journey of their students, Cumberland is breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and creating a more inclusive society.
In a world where differences are often magnified, we continue to stand as a testament to the power of community engagement in transforming lives. As we look to the future, Cumberland Academy of Georgia continues to inspire and serve as a shining example of how education, when rooted in community, can truly be a force for positive change and growth. Contact us to learn more about all our community service initiatives and partnerships.
Specialized Education for Students with High-Functioning Autism, ADHD, and Learning Differences
When Debbi and Matthew Scarborough attempted to find a school for their
son in 2007, there were no viable options in the Atlanta area for an 
excellenteducational program serving students with high-functioning autism, ADHD, and learning differences. So, they started Cumberland Academy of Georgia with one teacher and three students.
Since then, Cumberland has grown to over 100 students with an exciting and challenging curriculum that recognizes the educational needs of each student. We respect the learning diversity of each student. This is done through cooperative learning and active hands-on techniques that are integrated into all subject areas along with co-curricular activities. Our best practices curriculum infuses the creative arts as well as problem-solving, social skills, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. We understand and appreciate the unique perspectives of neurodiverse students in order to provide them with the support and accommodations they need.
One prominent characteristic of neurodivergent students is sensory sensitivity. These children may have heightened or diminished sensitivity to various sensory stimuli such as light, sound, touch, taste, and smell. What may seem insignificant or unnoticeable to others can be overwhelming and distressing to them. For instance, fluorescent lighting or background noises in a classroom setting might be unbearable for some autistic children, affecting their ability to concentrate or engage in learning activities. Our faculty, staff, and counselors consider the individual needs of our students as they plan for each lesson.
Moreover, neurodivergent children may experience difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information. They might focus intensely on specific details, perceiving the world in a highly detailed, analytical manner. This attention to detail can be an asset in certain contexts, such as problem-solving or pattern recognition, but it may also make it challenging to perceive the “bigger picture” or understand social cues that rely on subtle nuances.
Additionally, our neurodivergent students may experience challenges in understanding and interpreting social cues and non-verbal communication. Facial expressions, gestures, and body language, which come naturally to many neurotypical individuals, can be confusing or ambiguous to autistic children. This can lead to difficulties in recognizing and responding appropriately to others’ emotions or intentions, affecting their social interactions and relationships. Our faculty knows this each day and takes this into account as another piece of our curriculum to help grow our students’ social awareness.
Our student population often prefers routine and predictability. They thrive in structured environments where they can anticipate what will happen next. Changes, even minor ones, can be unsettling and trigger anxiety or distress. Consequently, their perception of the world revolves around creating a sense of order and predictability, seeking stability and consistency in their surroundings.
To support our neurodiverse students effectively, it is crucial to create inclusive environments that respect and accommodate their individual differences. This is why we provide breaks for our students. By acknowledging and valuing their unique perspectives, we can promote their well-being, foster their strengths, and help them navigate and thrive in a world that may sometimes feel overwhelming.
Each day we continue to live out Matthew and Debbi Scarborough’s vision as we shape, develop, and enhance abilities, giving encouraging and appropriate guidance with realistic expectations so that our students grow into happy, confident, cooperative, and productive members of society.
We invite you to be a part of this exceptional community whether you want to take a tour, participate in our fundraising events, become a volunteer, or help us as a financial supporter! Please contact our admissions department at admissions@cumberlandacademy.org.
Which Learning Style is Suitable For Kids With ADHD?
Many children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is a mental health disorder in which a child has impulsive behavioral patterns and is hyperactive. Children with ADHD find it difficult to focus or concentrate on a single item or task for a long time. They don’t sit still in one place and are often disruptive in class. Social skills are sometimes difficult to learn, and as students with ADHD mature, other children can be unkind or even bully these unique children. In some cases, ADHD can be managed in childhood, however, for most people, ADHD challenges continue well into adulthood.
Difficulty in learning for kids suffering from ADHD
Kids with ADHD struggle with certain learning problems specific to this condition. Because they cannot pay attention and concentrate for a long time, they find it hard to retain what they have learned, and it is often hard for them to succeed in a traditional classroom. To help these unique learners there are specific schools that help students fill in the gaps in their learning process. Experienced Teachers who have worked with these special children help to create a learning environment conducive to each student’s learning style. Students gain knowledge as well as self-confidence in their abilities once they are in a positive learning environment.
In schools for kids with learning challenges, teachers study the strengths and weaknesses of children and devise individualized learning plans for each student. Classrooms are centered on the students learning style in effort to achieve success. This focused attention ensures that the child learns in the way in which he is most comfortable. Expert and experienced ADHD teachers and coaches agree that there are three main learning styles of children suffering from ADHD. Specialized schools should appeal to each learning style to be successful.
Popular learning styles with children suffering from ADHD
Though additional learning styles exist for children challenged by ADHD, some of the most common ones are as follows:
- Auditory
- Visual
- Kinesthetic
Auditory learners – Auditory learners are those who can learn and retain the learned data and information when they hear it spoken to them. Such learners follow voice speed, tone, inflection, and volume as well as body language in-class lectures and class discussions. Recording classroom lectures works excellently for these students so that they don’t have to worry about taking notes to remember what was taught. With recorded lectures, the student can replay the discussions and listen to parts again and again for clearing doubts and increasing understanding.
Visual learners – Visual learners learn best by seeing. Educational videos with illustrations, colorful pictures, charts, graphs, diagrams etc. are great sources through which visual learners absorb information.
Kinesthetic learners – Kinesthetic learners retain information best when they are physically involved in the learning process. These learners are highly active and super fidgety. They require the ability to move around and explore actively. For such learners, absorbing new information can happen through experiments, field trips, unit studies, skits, crafts, model building etc.
Importance Of Different Learning Styles In Students
If you are worried about your child’s success in school, you have to make sure that his learning style is identified correctly. A clear understanding of which learning style or combination of learning styles results in the most fruitful environment for your child. Once you understand the way in which your child learns best, teaching methods can be adjusted for maximizing the learning experience.
Students with different learning styles are welcomed at Cumberland Academy of Georgia. Experienced teachers assist each student in the classroom to achieve academic success. Students who enter into Cumberland frustrated often begin to thrive in a very short time. Knowing and understanding a student is the first step to watching them succeed in a classroom. At Cumberland, students and teachers work together to create a positive learning environment and an exceptional school experience.
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