FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What do you consider when looking at a child’s individual profile?

We look at each child’s unique differences and how we can help work through specific challenges that the child faces. We also put a lot of emphasis on how involved the family is and what they have done to help overcome obstacles. Although we offer a comprehensive program, we want parents to continue working with their child at home and realize that Lionheart is a collaborative effort to help your child be successful.

Q. What is Lionheart’s tuition?

Tuition for the 2011-2012 school year is $25,000. Limited financial aid is available. All financial aid applications are processed by NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools). Financial aid allocations are finalized in June.

Q. Should my child continue to go to private therapy?

Although our program is very intensive and covers many areas of development, some children need to continue private therapy. We work closely with private therapists as needed and are available to discuss a child’s comprehensive program.

Q. How is Lionheart funded?

Tuition provides 60% of the operating expenses of Lionheart. Grants, donations, fundraising and volunteer efforts from parents, board members and other individuals make up the difference. The cost of the program is directly correlated with the highly skilled professionals at Lionheart and the low staff to student ratio.

Q. Does Lionheart provide financial assistance?

Lionheart is a state approved school that accepts SB10 vouchers and belongs to the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program.  Other financial assistance is available.  Lionheart requires all families receiving assistance to submit necessary paperwork. Upon acceptance, Lionheart  will contact the family and discuss all qualifying financial assistance that might be available.  If child qualifies for SB10 funding, Lionheart requires families to adhere to Lionheart’s tuition scheduled payments and SB10 money will be applied accordingly.

Q. Does Lionheart have a waiting list?

Yes, Lionheart has a waiting list.  If your child is not accepted for the upcoming school year, please resubmit a new application for the following year.

Q. Can my child start at Lionheart during the school year?

We will accept students throughout the year if there is an opening in a classroom and the student fits the age group and profile for that classroom. However, we make every effort to fill our classrooms before the start of school in August

Q. How long does it take to review an application? When will I hear back from Lionheart?

We make every effort to review an application as quickly as possible. It typically takes 1-2 business days to review an application. It may take a little longer during the summer (when we are not fully staffed) and during the Winter Holidays. If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please feel free to call us for a status update.

Q. What makes Lionheart unique?

Lionheart looks at each child’s individual profile, the child’s strengths and challenges.  Based on the individual profile that includes auditory-visual processing, regulatory capacities, motor planning and executive function, a unique program is developed that fits the child. Lionheart recognizes that every child, even with the same diagnosis, is very different. The favorable staff to student ratio allows us to evaluate each child throughout the year and modify the program as needed.  Lionheart focuses on core deficits:  relating, communicating, critical thinking and problem solving.

Q. How do you address the development of skills?

At Lionheart, we work hard on the development of basic academic skills, particularly word recognition, writing and computation. At the same time, we pay close attention to developing student’s conceptual capacities. From the beginning, we address the need for students to comprehend what they read and learn to make inferences and conclusions based on what they read. Lionheart emphasizes the ‘thinking’ portion of skill development. We address math and other subject concepts in the same manner. Social development is important at Lionheart. Teachers and therapists address social needs throughout every day and provide opportunities for interaction and engagement. Every interaction is an opportunity for social development, problem solving and thinking. Built into the program are experiential learning opportunities for the students to practice their skills. We want our students to be thinkers and problem solvers, not rote learners.

Q. What curriculum does Lionheart use?

Lionheart use research based curricula modified to accommodate each student’s individual learning profile.  Everyone’s schedule includes reading and math; subjects such as science, social studies, and literature become part of a student’s schedule when appropriate.  Lionheart’s learning labs provide experiential learning opportunities for academics.  School activities include art, yoga, physical education, life thinking, therapeutic horseback riding, music and drama. Shared experiences, special interest topics, community based activities and vocational exploration are embedded throughout the school year.  Homework is also based on the individual profile and given when appropriate.

Q. What population of children does Lionheart serve?

Lionheart serves a wide range of individual profiles. To benefit from Lionheart, children need to be able to be a part of a small group.  We provide an interdisciplinary approach that includes teachers, an occupational therapist, a speech and language pathologist, DIR® specialists, a licensed psychologist and music therapists.