Nicholas School in Piqua becomes approved provider for
Autism Scholarship Program
Families interested in the State of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program now have an educational resource much closer to home. Nicholas School, a non-public school in Piqua, is an approved provider for the program, beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.
Currently, Nicholas School enrolls children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade with a variety of learning difficulties and developmental delays, including ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, academic delays, sensory integration disorder, and autism.
“Nicholas School’s enrollment has always included children on the autism spectrum,” said Amy Simindinger, Principal. “We are very excited that families can now utilize this scholarship to allow their children to attend our program.”
The Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) gives the parents of children with autism who qualify for a scholarship the choice to send the child to a special education program other than the one operated by the school district of residence. The chosen program will then implement the services outlined in the child's individualized education program (IEP).
“This is a wonderful program,” said Simindinger. “For families, the challenge is finding a program that is a provider in this area. Larger cities have many resources available for children; we are currently one of two approved providers in Miami County. School choices through the scholarship program are limited in this area, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this option to families as a means to attend Nicholas School.”
Founded in 1976 and chartered by the State of Ohio in 1995, Nicholas School’s very unique program combines academic instruction with a neurodevelopmental approach to education. Students participate in activities designed to develop and enhance neurological organization, a key component to success. In addition, children participate in daily classes directed at improving fine and gross motor abilities, sensory difficulties, and visual skills.
Small group instruction and a low staff to student ratio allow for individualized instruction based on each child’s strengths and areas of need.
Nicholas School serves a wide geographical area. While the school’s population is predominantly composed of Miami and Shelby County residents, the school enrolls children from a wide geographical area, and has worked with families who reside in Clark, Allen, Auglaize, Montgomery, and Darke Counties. All potential students are evaluated through Nicholas School to determine eligibility for the private school’s program. Nicholas School works with the family and district of residence to secure enrollment in the Autism Scholarship Program.
The Nicholas School is one of four programs housed in the Hahn-Hufford Center of Hope, located at 1306 Garbry Road in Piqua. The building also houses the Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, the Brain Wellness Center, and the Aquatic Therapy and Wellness Center. Providing a neurologically based therapy, all programs in the facility serve children and/or adults with various learning disabilities, developmental delays, brain based injuries such as stroke, TBI, birth trauma, etc. More information is available on the organizations website: www.rcnd.org. Students attending Nicholas School can elect to participate in other programs available in the facility.
Families interested in exploring enrollment for their child at the Nicholas School should contact Amy Simindinger, Principal, at 937-773-6979 or email nicholasschool@woh.rr.com. Nicholas School is open during the summer and families are encouraged to contact the school at any time to discuss programs available.
More information on the Autism Scholarship Program can be found on the Ohio Department of Education’s website: www.ode.state.oh.us.
Nicholas School is a United Way Agency.
