Welcome to Care for Kids’ monthly nonprofit spotlight, where we highlight organizations making a profound impact on children and families in Lucas County, Ohio. This month, we shine a light on Summit Academy Toledo, a nonprofit community school dedicated to empowering students with learning disabilities by providing a nurturing, structured, and family-oriented learning environment.

A School with Heart and Vision

Summit Academy Toledo, a K-12 school, is more than just a place of learning; it’s a place where students feel truly valued and supported. As Wendy Hall, the school’s Administrative Assistant, explains, “Our students know we love and care about them.” This focus on building a family-like atmosphere allows staff and students to form deep bonds, fostering a sense of belonging that carries over into their educational experience.

With core values that emphasize dignity, respect, and the belief that every child can learn, Summit Academy operates on the principle of “learning without limits.” “When children feel loved, they will respond positively to their learning environment,” Hall says, underscoring the school’s commitment to treating every student as a unique individual.

Innovative Programs that Foster Growth

Summit Academy offers a range of programs designed to meet each child where they are, both academically and emotionally. One standout initiative is the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS), which rewards students with dojo points when they’re “caught” doing good things. As students accumulate points, they can redeem them at the dojo store, turning positive behavior into tangible rewards. “Who doesn’t love new things?” Hall says, smiling as she describes the program’s impact on students’ motivation.

Another unique offering at Summit Academy is its Therapeutic Martial Arts Program, which teaches students respect for themselves and others while reinforcing the value of using common sense before self-defense. This therapeutic approach extends to every corner of the school’s curriculum, addressing not only the academic needs of students but also their social, emotional, and physical development.

The Teacher/Student Mentoring Program further enhances learning by allowing students who grasp concepts quickly to assist peers who might need extra help. This peer-supported approach provides a one-on-one learning experience and cultivates a collaborative classroom environment. “We provide a structured safe haven for alternative learners,” Hall notes, emphasizing the importance of individual attention and support.

Tailored Support for Special Needs

Summit Academy is known for its tailored approach to educating students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other related conditions. “Our team of instructors and specialists is carefully crafted to give the best education to our students, keeping their unique ways of learning in mind,” Hall explains. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, educators can closely monitor each student’s progress and adapt to their learning style, minimizing distractions and promoting focus.

A Story of Transformation

Among the many success stories at Summit Academy, one stands out—a young girl who joined in the second grade with intense separation anxiety. She struggled to adjust, often acting out in ways that tested the patience and commitment of her teachers. But Summit Academy’s unwavering support eventually broke through her defenses. Today, she is thriving in eighth grade, a testament to the school’s ability to embrace each child’s unique challenges and help them grow. “We had to restart every time we had a holiday break,” Hall recalls, but each step forward was a victory, and the student is now a thriving, confident young adult.

The impact of Summit Academy goes beyond the classroom; many alumni stay in touch long after they’ve graduated, a testament to the school’s lasting influence. “One of our parents said that sending their child to Summit Academy was the best decision they ever made,” says Hall. For another family, the experience was even more profound: “One mom said we saved her daughter’s life.”

Meeting Challenges with Compassion

Working with students who face unique challenges is not without its difficulties. Sometimes students come to school hungry or struggling with issues outside the classroom that impact their behavior and ability to learn. Summit Academy addresses these needs with compassion, offering free breakfast and lunch to all students and stocking a food and clothing pantry within the school. Hall shares, “Recognizing the root of the behavior and having the capability to resolve the issue with minimal disruption is beneficial to keeping the classroom on task.”

How the Community Can Support

Summit Academy Toledo relies heavily on community support to continue offering vital services to its students. Donations are welcome to fund school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and food for the pantry, as well as to support field trips. “Without bussing, it costs upwards of $1,500 to get our whole student body off-site,” Hall notes, illustrating the importance of financial assistance in providing these experiences for students.

Summit Academy Toledo is more than just a school—it’s a lifeline for students who might otherwise struggle to find a supportive, inclusive environment. By investing in programs and people who understand and nurture every student, Summit Academy is breaking down barriers and building brighter futures for alternative learners in Toledo.

For more information on how you can support Summit Academy’s mission, please visit their website or contact their administrative office directly. Together, we can help empower these students to reach their fullest potential.

Continuing the Conversation on Social Media

Care for Kids wants to hear from you:

• How do you think a family-oriented school environment impacts students with special needs?
• What role do you believe specialized programs, like Therapeutic Martial Arts or Positive Behavior Intervention, play in a child’s development?
• Have you or someone you know experienced a supportive learning environment like Summit Academy? How did it make a difference?
• What are some ways the community can further support schools serving children with unique learning needs?