Jacob's Ladder

As parents of two children at The Hope School at Jacob's Ladder, we are amazed and so thankful for this school every day. When you have faced the struggles that so many parents face of searching for the right educational placement for your child and then you find it, like we did at The Hope School, you realize what a blessing and gift it is. The Hope School not only embraces and accepts your children just exactly as they are, they also deeply understand your child, love your child and encourage them to reach goals and skills that give them the self confidence they need to believe in themselves. The teachers meet your child where they are at and they understand that every child is different. The specialized care and individualized programs put together by the incredible team at The Hope School are unlike anything we have ever seen. The fact that we can send two very different children, with very different challenges, to the same school and know that they are receiving the best education for their individual needs, while maintaining group social interaction, is part of what makes The Hope School so amazing. At The Hope School, the program is tailored to them individually. It is challenging, comprehensive, fluid and grows at the exact time the kids are ready to progress. Your child will never be stagnant, all the while losing interest in school. At The Hope School, when your child masters a new skill or concept they are immediately met with a new one, keeping the children engaged and excited about learning. The program consists of the strong core academics we wanted in a school for our children and at the same time it also focuses on the things we were needing in a school for our children. The program also teaches children the importance of understanding your feelings and emotions, learning how to self identify those feelings, and then the children are taught tools and strategies that they can use to regulate them. They are taught how to appropriately ask for help from others when they need it. The children are then able to use the tools they are taught throughout the day and before your eyes you watch them grow and use these tools effectively and independently in their daily lives . The Hope School teaches children responsibility to others and themselves, the core values of kindness, acceptance and respect. All of this, and so much more, is done in a learning environment that is fun and engaging. There is so much active play and movement happening alongside the learning. The campus is beautiful and inviting for the kids. My kids especially love the outdoor classroom, ninja course, abundance of farm animals, hammocks, basketball court and nature trail. When we walked on campus to tour The Hope School, we knew instantly that we had found the perfect place for our children. For the first time in a long time, we felt completely at peace. There is a deep understanding and real love for our children and that is exactly what our children feel that make them so excited for school everyday. The teachers, administrators, directors, therapists and staff are all amazing in their support of not only the children but also the families (parents) as well. We are consistently provided with the education and support we need as a whole family. Because of The Hope School, our children are happy, learning and thriving. We are witness to the positive change and growth happening everyday with at The Hope School and can't imagine our children and family without it.

We came to JL in Oct of 2018. There was a feeling of hopelessness in our hearts prior to meeting Amy and touring the campus in Roswell. Immediately, I started feeling it was God's promise to me some time ago, coming into fruition. Dalton was 18 when he began school here and was non-verbal. It has been 9 months, he is beginning to use his physical voice as well as a tablet device. He is now able to navigate throughout the day and express his emotions, feelings, wants, and needs. One of the most amazing parts of his day is to do "good deeds" for the staff, from filling their water bottles, to filing papers into binders. I have seen a change in my son in these few months that show me he is in the present and able to help others. In helping others, it seems to make him feel more self assured and a part of the world that makes a difference in the lives of others. Jacob's Ladder has made such a difference in his self esteem and confidence. My family is blessed to have become part of this family. Jacob's Ladder goes above and beyond the true meaning of HOPE, TRUTH & LOVE....The family of Dalton Preston.

An amazing school with amazing people.. Found Amy O'Dell has built a school for kids that just don't fit anywhere else, including my daughter. For the first time in 13 years we found a place where people understand her, know what she needs and know how to bring out the child we have all hoped she could be. We are so thrilled to be starting at Jacobs Ladder in the summer and can't wait to watch our daughter grow into an amazing young woman! The program is different from any other we have seen and will focus on her specific needs! I truly can't wait...

I cannot say enough about Jacob`s Ladder and the incredible teachers and staff who teach and love our 12 yo twins with global neurodevelopmental delays. If I had to sum up our experience at Jacob`s Ladder in one word, I`d have to say it`s been life-changing. My girls started at Jacob`s Ladder when they were 7 years old. They were non-verbal, did not know their colors, letters or shapes and had the development age of about an 18 month old to 2 year old child. Within 11 weeks of starting the 1:1 program at JL both of my girls started speaking, identifying shapes and colors and telling us their wants and needs. It was absolutely astounding to us! They spent 4 years in the special needs program in our county`s public school system with no significant progress and within 3 months my girls were speaking to me. Now my girls are in a small group class at JL, speak in entire sentences, tell jokes, know their letters and numbers and are even beginning to read sight words! Every day still brings a new surprise. Everyone is so invested in the success of the children and is just as excited as you are when your child makes a small or significant gain. The students are truly loved - you can just see it, feel it and hear it. We are so happy and so are our girls I just wish we had come here sooner!