We maintain a low student-teacher classroom ratio to better provide students with one-on-one or small group instruction.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) techniques are implemented school-wide to promote academic excellence. Small group tutoring services are offered through Polk County School District’s Title I Program and through ESE funding sources. Speech Language services are also available to qualified students based on their Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) once they are converted to a Service Plan as dictated by the Equitable Services Act.
Students with a wide range of special needs are eligible to enroll in our school. These may include students with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, physical disabilities, limited visual impairments, and attention deficit types of disorders. Students diagnosed with an emotional or behavioral disability, manifested by their autism, may gain admittance on a conditional basis with individualized services provided by the parents from the onset. We do not service students with severe emotional behavioral disabilities (EBD), nor contend to be specialized in behavior disorders. We are educators, who allow parentally placed service providers the opportunity to offer therapy within the classroom setting.
There are several scholarship options available to help families pay for private school tuition. The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) offers funding through two companies. They are Step Up for Students and the AAA Scholarship Foundation. Both entities offer the same scholarship options as listed below.
Our vision is to be a source of inspiration for special and unique scholars.
To provide ESE scholars with the opportunity to become knowledgeable and productive members of society through a curriculum that promotes academic and social growth.
To facilitate access to behavioral, speech, and tutoring services within the educational setting, encourage well-being, and maximize their academic growth.
The main thrust of clinical services is applied behavioral analysis. This service is implemented to promote students to perform academically. All staff are required to be trained in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) and complete the 40-hour training module required for registered behavior technicians (RBT).
Speech Language Pathology services are currently offered at LIfL and funded through Polk County Public Schools. Since clinical services meet students' physical or emotional needs, teachers are presented the opportunity to apply more challenging learning. The intensity of services and the articulation with educators also furthers the transfer and retention of both therapy and education.
The curriculum adheres to the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards for Math and English Language Arts (ELA) and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) in Science and Social Studies. Standards-based learning is important for our exceptional education students because it keeps them on track for high school graduation; however, LIfL students are not required to meet the Florida Assessment requirements.Student report cards reflect standards-driven classroom instruction in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, keeping students aligned with their functioning level similarly to their peers. Since Reading is essential to learning across all curriculums, all students are initially tested in a small environment using a reading program, STAR Assessment, with a proven track record of determining their strengths and weaknesses in basic phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
LEARN MOREExtra-curricular experiences, similar to a traditional school, include sports, fall festival, homecoming, themed dances, Fun Fridays, student clubs, student council, field trips and prom.
This allows students to develop socially in real life scenarios. Parent participation is required through volunteer hours and by choice.
The Lakeland Institute is committed to protecting its students, employees and applicants for admission from bullying, harassment, or discrimination for any reason and of any type. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, or age in employment, but grants all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available at the school. It believes that all individuals are entitled to a safe, equitable, and harassment free school environment.
Lakeland Institute for Learning (LIfL) requires the highest standards of ethics for our entire learning community. Throughout LIfL’s manuals, including: Trustee Policies and Procedures, Staff, and the Parent and Student Handbook , the Florida Ethics in Education & Professional Conduct policy found here - https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-practices/code-of-ethics-principles-of-professio.stml - are strictly enforced.
All of our staff undergo a state and federal background check and are enrolled in a continual process with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which updates any improprieties on a daily basis. In addition, LIfL exceeds the requirements to participate in the FL School Choice Scholarship Programs.
Florida Code of Ethics & Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession: Learn More
Florida Department of Education Misconduct & Abuse Requirements: Learn More
