It’s probably no surprise that I love to hear parents’ transformation stories about their children. As an educator and parent, I frequently get to witness how a positive educational experience can make a life-changing difference for a student with complex challenges.

Recently, I was mesmerized by a father’s powerful story about his son with learning disabilities — but what made this one different for me is that it happened beyond the K-12 classroom walls. 

At a recent conference, amidst myriad presentations and discussions, this father detailed his son's transformative experience at Lynn University in Florida. Thanks to the tailored assistance of the university, his son transitioned from requiring robust academic support to confidently standing on his own.

While this young man wasn’t an alumnus of The Quaker School at Horsham, the family’s story mirrored the hopes, anxieties, and aspirations we often discuss within our TQS community.

I have had many conversations with our TQS parents who are pondering the path their children will tread as they edge toward adulthood. The good news is that TQS is not the end of the road!

If you’re beginning to chart these unexplored waters, you’re probably asking this common question: “What’s next?”

Today, I’m spotlighting a few exemplary programs that cater specifically to our unique students:

• TQS Real World Ready Program: This is TQS’s answer to the needs we saw in our community. Designed for students ages 18-21 with ASD, ADHD, SLD, and other learning differences, Real-World Ready is a functional training program that helps prepare young adults with the skills they need for community, education, and employment paths, based on their individual goals.

• Landmark College: TQS’s dual enrollment partner gives students the opportunity to earn credits and even degrees. Resonating with TQS's ethos, Landmark is a haven for students with ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities. Their strategy centers on individualized support, enabling students to uncover their academic prowess in an inclusive setting.

• Chestnut Hill College's Neurodiversity Program: Another of TQS’s partners, this avant-garde program is reshaping higher education’s landscape. Recognizing and harnessing the distinct strengths of neurodiverse students, Chestnut Hill creates an environment where these students aren’t just accommodated but truly celebrated.

• Lynn University: As showcased by the father’s recount at my conference, Lynn University isn’t just about academics; it’s about transformation. With its profound support mechanisms for students with special needs, it ensures every student’s passage to independence is recognized and cheered.

At TQS, we partner with our families to help each student choose the post-secondary option that is ideal for their skills and passions. And because, at TQS, our students learn how to advocate for themselves and achieve their individual goals, they feel more secure in their futures.

To help young adults with complex challenges set the path to success, it’s crucial to identify a college or program that offers tailored support unique to each student. Allowing students to continue building the strategies and skills they need after their K-12 career will allow them to reach their fullest potential!

Wondering about the next step for your student with complex challenges? Download our FREE TQS Career and College Resource Guide. Inside, you’ll find tips on how to help your child navigate the often-challenging transition from high school to college and beyond.