Business Details
26 Years
experience
Specialized Education for Special Needs Students in South Florida
Founded in September 2000, The Open Doorway has dedicated over two decades to transforming special needs education in South Florida. Our mission centers on providing individualized learning experiences for K-12 students with autism, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, bipolar disorders, dyslexia, speech impairments, Williams Syndrome, and other special needs. With a student-teacher ratio of less than 5-to-1, our certified educators develop personalized learning plans that align with Florida Sunshine State Standards while addressing each childs unique requirements. As the only McKay scholarship-funded school in our region, we combine specialized curricula, community service integration, and academic enrichment programs to foster measurable progress. Our 5,000-square-foot facility supports over 50 students annually, with plans to expand our capacity to serve more families.We maintain rigorous compliance with state educational standards while emphasizing vocational skills development for special diploma candidates. Through parent participation programs requiring 40 annual volunteer hours, we cultivate a collaborative environment that extends beyond the classroom. Our commitment to continuous improvement drives investments in technology upgrades, staff development, and facility enhancements despite financial challenges. By focusing on individual potential rather than limitations, weve established a proven track record of helping students achieve academic milestones in a supportive, inclusive setting.
Services
Special Needs Education
Individualized Learning Plans
High School Diploma Programs
Community Service Programs
Academic Enrichment
Technology Upgrades
Field Trips
Staff Development
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We maintain a student-teacher ratio of less than 5-to-1 for personalized attention
- Our curriculum is tailored to each student's unique learning needs
- Certified educators specialize in special needs instruction for K-12 students
- We utilize McKay scholarship funding to support special needs education access
- Community service integration builds real-world skills for high school students
Services
Special Needs Education
Our special needs education programs serve K-12 students with autism, ADHD, and other learning challenges. We implement customized curricula aligned with Florida Sunshine State Standards while addressing each child's unique requirements. With a student-teacher ratio of less than 5-to-1, our certified educators deliver targeted instruction that accelerates academic progress in a supportive environment.
Individualized Learning Plans
We develop individualized learning plans tailored to each student's specific needs and learning style. Our educators create customized lesson plans that adapt standard educational materials to suit different cognitive abilities and developmental levels. This approach ensures students receive targeted instruction that maximizes their learning potential while maintaining state curriculum compliance.
High School Diploma Programs
Our high school programs offer two diploma tracks: standard diplomas meeting Florida graduation requirements and special diplomas focusing on pre-vocational skills. Students complete required coursework while participating in college preparatory programs and 75 community service hours. Our curriculum prepares graduates for post-secondary education or workforce readiness through practical skill development.
Community Service Programs
We integrate community service into our high school curriculum, requiring 75 service hours for diploma completion. Students participate in structured after-school programs that build civic responsibility and practical skills. These experiences enhance social development while fulfilling state graduation requirements through meaningful community engagement.
Academic Enrichment
Our academic enrichment programs provide additional support beyond core instruction. We offer specialized resources for skill development in areas requiring extra attention, including technology upgrades and field trip opportunities. These programs enhance classroom learning through hands-on experiences that reinforce academic concepts in practical contexts.
Questions
What special needs does the school support?
We serve students with autism, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, bipolar disorders, dyslexia, speech impairments, William’s Syndrome, and other special needs through customized educational programs.
How is the curriculum tailored for each student?
Our educators create individualized learning plans using Florida Sunshine State Standards as a foundation while adapting materials to match each student's unique learning style and developmental level.
What diploma options are available?
We offer standard diplomas meeting Florida graduation requirements and special diplomas focusing on pre-vocational skills with modified core curriculum requirements.
How does the McKay scholarship program work?
As a McKay scholarship-approved facility, we receive funding that allows parents to use state-allocated education funds for their child's specialized instruction at our school.
What volunteer opportunities exist for parents?
Parents contribute 40 annual hours through meetings, fundraising activities, community events, and other scheduled programs that support school operations and student development.
Reviews (5)
Brent Borowski
Jan 02, 2021
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Love this school everyone is so nice to students and other teachers! Note: I am a student that goes here!
Ashley N. Gonzalez
Dec 26, 2019
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Very fun and great place to work at. Students held a close place in my heart. Staff are good and very funky. Very creative work environment as well as a cool and awesome Director. They use unique techniques to educate the special needs students.
Sweetheart Animation
Oct 12, 2019
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In my opinion the school is absolutely amazing and helpful when you first walk in you may feel nervous or kinda anxious but as soon as you start talking to the teachers and staff they make you feel at home! In the school they help you with socalizing,And getting the education and knowledge to lead you to a good path!! Its fantastic how they help kids and how there very helpful (Before I went to that school) I had a lot of problems I was failing and I didnt know how to read! But when I first went to that school IT HELPED ME A LOT! I honestly appreciate all the hard work and effort they
Daniel Levy
Jan 14, 2018
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Helped rescue our kid from the public school system. The public school system was incapable of providing appropriate care. The Open Doorway has great teachers and administration and a unique approach to working with special needs kids. Great school!
Charlene Wojcik
Dec 18, 2017
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I walked in, trying to find a school for my autistic teenage son. It was very chaotic, extremely noisy and dark. This place it seems would not be good for autistic children of any age, because they need structure and order in their lives. I can assure you that this place is also most likely not accredited based on what I saw just walking through the door. The atmosphere truly scared me.
