Mobile's Chrysalis Academy helps kids with special needs
Posted by By Amy Browning, Correspondent March 29, 2009 3:27 PM
MOBILE, Ala. -- Some local children are learning to spread their wings at a unique type of school. Chrysalis Academy, which reopened in September 2008, is addressing the academic and social needs of children with autism, Asperger's syndrome and PDD (pervasive developmental delay).
The academy, previously located at Wilmer Hall Children's Home, relocated to its original home at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in the education building. The tuition-based school has eight children enrolled, ranging in age from 7 to 14.
The school does not recognize grade levels but follows learning needs of each student. Students learn in age-appropriate groups, said Andrea Trehern, the academy's director and former director for St. Mark's School.
"Our main focus at Chrysalis Academy is to serve children with high-functioning autism, Asperger's syndrome, PDD, as well as other learning problems," Trehern said.
The school was previously named the Center for Learning Differences at the old location on Old Shell Road, Trehern said. After it closed, concerned parents and other volunteers came together to try to keep things running.
A milestone was reached when the school received a $74,000 grant, written by Episcopalian priest Dennis Brown, from the Hearin-Chandler Foundation last year. Brown is also the academy's school board president.
