Ask Atlantis Academy

Question 1

What is Atlantis Academy?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy is a private school in South Florida for students with learning differences and diverse abilities. It offers a safe, nurturing environment for academic, social and emotional growth, with K-12 programs plus an 18+ L.I.F.E. program. Its promise: "Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives" — where students with learning differences thrive.

Question 2

When was Atlantis Academy founded?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy was founded in 1976 in Miami as a pioneering school for students with unique learning needs. It has been serving families for nearly 50 years.

Question 3

How big is Atlantis Academy?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy educates more than 500 students daily across its three South Florida campuses, with small classes and a low student-teacher ratio.

Question 4

Is Atlantis Academy part of a larger organization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlantis Academy joined ChanceLight Education in 2001, a national network of special-education and behavioral-health programs, which strengthened its ability to serve students.

Question 5

What is Atlantis Academy's mission?

Accepted Answer

The mission is to support each student's academic, social and emotional growth while building self-worth and confidence, offering hope, support and preparation for a successful future.

Question 6

What makes Atlantis Academy different?

Accepted Answer

Nearly 50 years of experience with learning differences, small classes, individualized programs, caring and credentialed teachers, strong parent partnerships, and a bully-free, restorative culture set Atlantis Academy apart.

Question 7

What does “Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives” mean?

Accepted Answer

It's the school's promise: meet each student exactly where they are and help them grow academically, socially and emotionally, so they gain the skills and confidence to thrive.

Question 8

Who does Atlantis Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy serves students with learning differences and diverse abilities — including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and related disabilities — who benefit from smaller classes, accommodations or behavioral support.

Question 9

Does Atlantis Academy serve students with autism?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlantis Academy serves students on the autism spectrum and works with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) for research and training to support them.

Question 10

Do you serve students with ADHD or dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Programs are individualized for a range of learning differences, including ADHD and dyslexia, so instruction fits how each student learns best.

Question 11

My child is struggling in their current school — is this a fit?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly who Atlantis Academy is built for. An academic assessment before enrollment helps match your child to the Traditional or Foundations program and the right level of support.

Question 12

Does my child need a formal diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A formal diagnosis isn't always required. Atlantis Academy serves students with learning differences and diverse abilities, and an assessment helps determine the best fit and program.

Question 13

What programs does Atlantis Academy offer?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy offers four programs: the Traditional Program (K-12), the Foundations Program (K-12, with more support), the L.I.F.E. Program for young adults 18+, and a workforce-focused Transition Program.

Question 14

What is the Traditional Program?

Accepted Answer

The Traditional Program mirrors public-school ages and grade levels, K-12, with secondary students rotating classes during the day. It features small classes, a low student-teacher ratio and personalized instruction for students who can follow a standard track with support.

Question 15

What is the Foundations Program?

Accepted Answer

The Foundations Program is for students who need more support. It offers smaller ratios, a structured environment and individualized lessons with hands-on, real-life learning, emphasizing communication, independence and prosocial behavior. It prepares students for the Traditional high school track and/or the Transition Program.

Question 16

What's the difference between the Traditional and Foundations programs?

Accepted Answer

The Traditional Program follows a standard K-12 track with support, while the Foundations Program offers more structure, smaller ratios and individualized, hands-on learning for students who need extra academic, social and behavioral support. An assessment determines the best fit.

Question 17

What is the L.I.F.E. Program?

Accepted Answer

L.I.F.E. stands for Living Independently with Fundamental Experiences. It's for young adults 18 and older and teaches independent-living skills at home, in the workplace and in the community.

Question 18

What is the Transition Program?

Accepted Answer

The Transition Program is a workforce-focused track with community-based instruction and real-life work experience, helping older students build the skills to move toward employment and independence.

Question 19

How do I know which program fits my child?

Accepted Answer

Placement is based on an academic, developmental and social assessment before enrollment. From there, the team recommends the Traditional or Foundations program and the right level of support.

Question 20

What grade levels does Atlantis Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy serves kindergarten through 12th grade, with services available up to age 22, plus the L.I.F.E. Program for young adults 18+.

Question 21

Do you serve younger / elementary students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Programs start at kindergarten, so elementary-age students are served alongside middle and high school students.

Question 22

Do you serve young adults after high school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The L.I.F.E. Program and the Transition Program serve students 18 and older (up to age 22), focusing on independent living and workforce readiness.

Question 23

Do students earn a high school diploma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students on the Traditional high school track work toward a high school diploma, with the support and individualized instruction Atlantis Academy is known for.

Question 24

How big are the classes?

Accepted Answer

Classes are small, with a low student-teacher ratio (around 10 to 1), so every student gets individual attention and support.

Question 25

What are the teachers like?

Accepted Answer

Teachers are experienced, dedicated educators. All hold at least a bachelor's degree and about half hold a master's degree, with training to support students with learning differences.

Question 26

What is Atlantis Academy's educational approach?

Accepted Answer

Instruction is individualized and evidence-based. Teaching is tailored to each child, and progress is measured continually so lessons can be adjusted to what's working day to day.

Question 27

Is the curriculum aligned to state standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlantis Academy aligns with Florida state standards and is accredited by Cognia, so coursework meets recognized benchmarks.

Question 28

How is my child assessed?

Accepted Answer

An academic assessment before enrollment determines the best program, and ongoing assessment throughout the year guides daily instruction and tracks progress.

Question 29

How does Atlantis Academy involve parents?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy builds strong parent-school partnerships, with teachers collaborating closely with families on each student's goals and progress.

Question 30

What behavioral support is available?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral therapists work on campus with students as needed, within a schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework that uses classroom and individual supports.

Question 31

How does Atlantis Academy build social skills?

Accepted Answer

Social-skills instruction is woven into the school day through small-group discussion, role-play and academic lessons, along with problem-solving and bullying-prevention practice.

Question 32

Is it a safe, bully-free environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlantis Academy maintains a bully-free, restorative culture focused on safety and respect, so students feel secure enough to learn and grow.

Question 33

What clubs or activities are there?

Accepted Answer

Extracurriculars include a Fitness Club, an Arts & Crafts Club and a Gaming Club, along with community outings that build social skills and confidence.

Question 34

Do students get work or volunteer experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business partnerships give students volunteering and real-life work experience, especially in the Transition and L.I.F.E. programs.

Question 35

Does Atlantis Academy have a summer camp or summer program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlantis Academy runs summer programs. Contact your nearest campus for current summer camp dates and enrollment.

Question 36

Are there field trips or community outings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Community-based outings and partnerships are part of learning, especially for building social skills and for the Transition and L.I.F.E. programs.

Question 37

Is Atlantis Academy accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlantis Academy is fully accredited by Cognia and has offered its program for almost 50 years, aligning with Florida state standards.

Question 38

How do I enroll at Atlantis Academy?

Accepted Answer

Enrollment is open year-round. Start by scheduling a tour or speaking with an enrollment specialist, then complete an academic assessment so the team can place your child in the right program.

Question 39

Can I enroll mid-year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enrollment is open year-round, so students can start at any point during the school year.

Question 40

What are the steps to apply?

Accepted Answer

The steps are: schedule a tour, meet with an enrollment specialist, complete an academic assessment, and get matched to the Traditional or Foundations program with the right support.

Question 41

Do you require testing or school records?

Accepted Answer

An academic assessment before enrollment helps place your child, and sharing prior school records and any evaluations you have is helpful for matching the right program.

Question 42

What scholarships does Atlantis Academy accept?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy accepts all Florida school-choice scholarships, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship for students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) and for Educational Options (FES-EO), administered by Step Up For Students.

Question 43

Can a scholarship cover tuition?

Accepted Answer

For many families, a Florida school-choice scholarship covers much or all of tuition. The enrollment team can walk you through eligibility and funding options for your situation.

Question 44

Is Atlantis Academy affordable?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy positions itself as an affordable private school and accepts state scholarships that can offset much of the cost. Contact admissions for current tuition and funding options.

Question 45

Is the McKay Scholarship accepted?

Accepted Answer

Florida's former McKay Scholarship is now the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA), which Atlantis Academy accepts, administered by Step Up For Students.

Question 46

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Scholarships for students with unique abilities are administered by Step Up For Students. The Atlantis Academy enrollment team helps families understand eligibility and complete the process.

Question 47

Where are Atlantis Academy's campuses?

Accepted Answer

Atlantis Academy has three South Florida campuses: Miami, Coral Springs and West Palm Beach. Each offers the K-12 programs, so families can choose the campus nearest them.

Question 48

Where is the Miami campus?

Accepted Answer

The Miami campus is at 9600 SW 107th Avenue, Miami, FL 33176. You can reach it at (305) 456-9578.

Question 49

Where is the Coral Springs campus?

Accepted Answer

The Coral Springs campus is at 11411 NW 56th Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076. You can reach it at (954) 752-7571.

Question 50

Where is the West Palm Beach campus?

Accepted Answer

The West Palm Beach campus is at 1950 Prairie Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. You can reach it at (561) 642-3100.

Question 51

Which campus is nearest me?

Accepted Answer

Choose the campus nearest you — Miami, Coral Springs or West Palm Beach. All three offer the K-12 programs, and the team at any campus can point you in the right direction.

Question 52

How do I schedule a tour?

Accepted Answer

You can request a tour at atlantisacademy.com or call your nearest campus. A tour is the best way to see the programs, meet the team, and picture your child there.

Question 53

How do I contact Atlantis Academy?

Accepted Answer

Call your nearest campus — Miami (305) 456-9578, Coral Springs (954) 752-7571, or West Palm Beach (561) 642-3100 — or request a callback at atlantisacademy.com.

Question 54

Can I speak with an enrollment specialist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Request a callback or schedule a tour at atlantisacademy.com and an enrollment specialist will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through next steps.

Question 55

Where can I learn more online?

Accepted Answer

atlantisacademy.com has details on the programs, who the school serves, scholarships and funding, and a form to request a tour or a callback.

Where students with
learning differences thrive.

Programs built around each student

A place to grow

Three South Florida campuses

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