Support City Elementary's End of Year Campaign!
Our neurodiverse students need your support NOW. Help us fund a life-changing school.
Research shows that autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and similar are rooted in differences in brain wiring and chemistry. Our school is founded upon the idea that children deserve to be taught as they are, with the bodies and brains they have. We are not seeking to change a child’s way of being, and we do not seek to normalize behavior. We understand that differences are organic, and are worthy of respect, acceptance, curiosity, and celebration.
The teachers and staff at City Elementary recognize and affirm that neurodiverse people experience the world differently than neurotypical people. Instead of trying to change the child, we changed the school. We focus first on making environments that are less stressful and overwhelming. We focus second on skill-building with attitudes of gentleness and positivity. This is called “strengths-based education.” The school is designed to work with and enhance the growth of each unique child.
In practice, affirming behaviors that you will see in our school include:
- Students allowed to stim, freely move around, or use a quiet fidget
- Flexible seating such as bouncy balls and sensory cushions
- Free, continuous access to the sensory gym throughout the child’s school day
- Students allowed to snack, drink water, and use the bathroom freely
- Self-regulation tools and techniques developed collaboratively with students
- Teachers and collaborators who are neurodivergent
- Curricular materials that celebrate neurodiversity
- Ongoing professional development for staff and teachers on best practices
- Support for students’ special interests and passions
City Elementary's unique approach to neurodiverse education positively changes the trajectory of our students. We are proud and honored to offer a place of acceptance and growth for the neurodiverse community!