Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Special Education Programs for Emotional and Learning Challenges
Since 1975, The Foundation Schools has been dedicated to addressing the educational, social, and mental health needs of children and adolescents with emotional disabilities and learning challenges. Our mission centers on empowering students through individualized academic programs aligned with Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards, while fostering behavioral and emotional growth. With three Maryland campuses in Largo, Gaithersburg, and Landover, we serve students in grades K-12, including specialized autism support at our Foundation Learning Center.Our certified special education staff maintains a 2:1 student-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized attention and consistent support. We collaborate closely with local school systems to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), prioritizing safe, structured environments that promote academic achievement and life skills development. Over decades, our approach has transformed countless students' lives, evidenced by testimonials highlighting improved school engagement, graduation success, and renewed confidence in learning.
Services
Behavior Management
Therapeutic Supports
Speech/Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Autism Program
Academic Programs
IEP Implementation
Professional Development
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- Certified special education staff with 10+ years average tenure
- Individualized learning plans aligned with state standards
- 2:1 student-to-staff ratio for personalized attention
- Proven success with emotional and behavioral support programs
- Collaborative partnerships with local school systems
Associations and certifications
- Maryland State Department of Education
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education (District of Columbia)
What people say
Changed my life
Best support
Productive future
Exceptional staff
New start
Services
Behavior Management
Our behavior management programs address emotional and social challenges through structured interventions. Certified staff implement individualized strategies to reduce disruptive behaviors while promoting positive coping mechanisms. This service helps students improve classroom engagement and interpersonal relationships through consistent, evidence-based approaches.
Therapeutic Supports
Therapeutic supports include counseling and emotional regulation training tailored to each student's needs. Our clinicians work within educational settings to address mental health challenges that impact learning. This service integrates social-emotional learning with academic instruction to create comprehensive student development plans.
Autism Program
The Foundation Learning Center provides specialized autism support for grades K-12 with a focus on communication and life skills. Our 12-month program combines sensory integration, social skills training, and academic instruction. Certified staff use applied behavior analysis principles to create structured learning environments for students on the spectrum.
IEP Implementation
We specialize in implementing Individualized Education Programs that align with state standards while addressing unique learning needs. Our staff collaborates with families and local school systems to develop measurable goals and appropriate accommodations. This service ensures compliance with federal and state special education requirements.
Professional Development
Job-embedded professional development programs enhance staff capabilities in special education best practices. Our training focuses on trauma-informed care, behavior intervention strategies, and academic differentiation techniques. This ongoing development ensures educators maintain expertise in supporting students with complex needs.
People
Tracey Still
Admissions Coordinator
Certified Admissions Coordinator with extensive experience in special education placements. Dedicated to connecting families with appropriate educational resources and facilitating smooth enrollment processes.
Bill Prestianni
Admissions Coordinator
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor serving as Admissions Coordinator. Provides expert guidance for students with emotional and behavioral challenges through personalized admissions consultations.
Jenna Chwirut
IEP Coordinator
Special education specialist managing Individualized Education Program coordination. Ensures accurate implementation of IEP requirements while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
Questions
What student populations do you serve?
We serve students aged 5-21 with emotional disabilities, autism, and other learning challenges who require specialized education services.
How are admissions decisions made?
Admissions consider school records, interviews, and IEP requirements rather than diagnosis alone through collaboration with local school systems.
What academic standards do you follow?
Our curriculum aligns with Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards while being tailored to individual learning needs.
What staff qualifications do you require?
All teachers hold special education certifications with average teaching experience exceeding 10 years.
How do you involve families?
We maintain regular communication and collaboration with families through scheduled meetings and progress updates.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Bryan Stanard
Aug 18, 2020
Report
Its a good private school for Kindergarten - Grades 12 for all staff and students. It has gymnastics gym, cafeteria, all classrooms, gymnasium, indoor pool, Speech room, PT gym - OT Gymnasium. Montgomery County buses, DC buses, all Pg county buses c buses, b buses, d buses, f buses, g buses, h buses, k buses, l buses, r buses, t buses, v buses and x buses for Kindergarten through 12 grades.
Tyssen Hinkle
Nov 16, 2019
Report
This school is nasty and they have soggy lunch and the put us in a side room And they hurt us and honestly I really dont like that school because the buses are late and they have rats running around the school and last year there where rat and mice bites in the food so Parents I suggested your kids to go to a better school than this they take your kids phones and all electronic and they search them head to toe so that all I had to say to day
