Cumberland Academy of Georgia Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Students with Learning Differences in Atlanta

Cumberland Academy of Georgia is celebrating 20 years as a school for students with learning differences in Atlanta. Founded in 2007 in Sandy Springs by Debbi and Matthew Scarborough, the school serves independent neurodiverse students in grades 3 to 12. Two decades in, the mission has not changed: individualized, supportive education that helps students build academic skills, confidence, and independence. To mark this milestone, the school will host its annual fundraising gala, The Speakeasy Social, on October 24, 2027. 

What You Will Learn About Cumberland Academy’s 20 Year Milestone: 

• Why two parents opened the school in 2007 after searching for a program that fit their son
• What full accreditation means day to day for students and families
• College at Cumberland continues that support after graduation through Landmark College

Cumberland Academy After 20 Years: Grades, Accreditation, and Enrollment

How Did Cumberland Academy Grow From One Student to More Than 100? 

Debbi and Matthew Scarborough opened Cumberland Academy in 2007 after a frustrating search for a local school that could serve their son Steven, who has ASD. Rather than keep searching, they built the classroom he needed, and it now serves more than 100 students. 

The origin of the school still shapes the model. Enrollment stays intentionally controlled so class sizes stay small, with ability grouping and differentiated instruction handled student by student instead of grade by grade. The approach pairs individualized academic instruction with experiential learning, including community service, arts programming, and hands-on science, so students practice skills in real settings and not only on paper. Families can review how the program is organized by grade band on the academics page. 

What Sets an Accredited School for Neurodiverse Learners Apart 

A school built for neurodiverse learners teaches the student, not just the subject. At Cumberland Academy, that means a college preparatory curriculum delivered alongside explicit instruction in social and life skills, because academic ability and social confidence rarely develop on the same timeline for neurodiverse students. 

Accreditation matters here too. Full accreditation through COGNIA and the Georgia Accrediting Commission means the school’s curriculum and specialized instruction are reviewed against standards set outside the school, not standards it sets for itself. 

Learning also extends past the classroom through monthly community service in the school’s Cumberland Cares initiative, which takes students off campus and into the community. Families can see the fit criteria and tour options on the Visit Us page. 

College at Cumberland: Support That Continues After Graduation 

Cumberland Academy’s support does not end at graduation. The school’s growth has extended beyond its K-12 campus through College at Cumberland, a partnership with Landmark College that gives graduates a pathway to continue their education with the same individualized support that defined their K-12 experience. Accepted students can take fully accredited Landmark College courses for up to two years, with the option to earn an associate degree and a route into a four-year program afterward. 

College at Cumberland provides one-on-one academic coaching, executive functioning and life skills development, and a small campus community in Sandy Springs. Students continue with that support while taking college-level coursework, rather than starting over without it. Program details and applications are handled through the College at Cumberland site. 

The Speakeasy Social: The Annual Gala Marking Two Decades 

The Speakeasy Social, Cumberland Academy’s annual fundraising gala, takes place on October 24, 2027 and doubles as the school’s 20th anniversary celebration. The event will celebrate 20 years of the school’s mission and raise funds to support its continued growth and programming. The Speakeasy Social will bring together families, alumni, staff, and community supporters for an evening celebrating the school’s history and its vision for the next 20 years. Ways to give, including online donations and the Annual Fund, are listed on the Support Cumberland page. 

Why Atlanta Area Families Trust Cumberland Academy 

Debbi Scarborough still runs day-to-day operations, and staff who helped open the school in 2007 remain, including the director of operations and the chief financial officer. Several faculty are now past their fifteenth year at Cumberland, and many teachers hold master’s degrees in special education, with training in methods such as Orton-Gillingham, TEACCH, and ABA. 

The staffing model backs that up. A counseling department works on site alongside teachers, led by a licensed professional counselor and including executive functioning coaches and a student success coach, so social and emotional support is part of the school day instead of an outside referral. Leadership, faculty backgrounds, and credentials are listed on our team page. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is eligible to enroll at Cumberland Academy of Georgia? 

Cumberland Academy serves independent neurodiverse students in grades 3 to 12 who have a documented diagnosis, including ASD Level 1, ADHD, or a specific learning disability such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. The best fit is a student who thrives in small classes, engages with strong academics, and benefits from socialization and executive functioning coaching. 

What does the admissions process at Cumberland Academy involve? 

Admissions runs in three steps. First, inquire: an initial tour and informational meeting with the admissions director. Second, visit: a full academic shadow day held Monday through Thursday, with evaluations, an IEP or 504 plan, report cards, transcripts for grades 9 to 12, and the application packet submitted beforehand. Third, apply. Enrollment is limited, so starting early helps. 

What sports, clubs, and activities does Cumberland Academy offer? 

Students are encouraged to take part in no cut after school sports and activities, so participation is not decided by tryouts. The school also offers art, music, physical education, and culinary classes, clubs such as Spirit Club and Art Club, and experiential outings and overnight field trips that put social and life skills into practice. 

Celebrate 20 Years and See the School for Yourself 

If you are looking for a school for students with learning differences in Atlanta, the best way to judge the fit is to walk the halls during a school day. 

Schedule a tour or shadow day through the admissions team, or call (404) 835-9000. The campus is in Sandy Springs, GA, and serves families across greater Atlanta. 

About Cumberland Academy of Georgia 

Founded in 2007, Cumberland Academy of Georgia is a school dedicated to serving students with learning differences through individualized instruction and experiential learning. What began with a single student has grown into a community of over 100 students, with a continued pathway into higher education through College at Cumberland, offered in partnership with Landmark College. The school’s mission is to empower independent neurodiverse students in grades 3 to 12 through strong academics and social skills in a safe, supportive, and structured environment. Cumberland is fully accredited by COGNIA and the Georgia Accrediting Commission.