Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Marshall.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Donna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 1981, Jane Stewart opened The Westview School in a single room in her home with a class of four developmentally-delayed children. Jane’s genuine love and gift for educating children with special needs were apparent, and by the end of the first year, eight students were enrolled in the program.
Enrollment continued to grow, and over the years the population of children served changed from primarily children with a variety of disabilities to primarily children with autism spectrum disorder. The school continued to grow as the professional community recognized the need for this specialized educational program.
Although approximately half of the students leaving Westview each year were successfully mainstreamed into regular school programs, it was apparent that many would benefit from extended participation in Westview’s program. In March of 1996, the school was granted 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit status, and the decision was made by the board of directors to build a new facility and expand the program. One grade was added each year until the program included a full elementary program.
As our first class of fifth graders was nearing completion of our program, we realized, once again, that Houston did not have a school that could continue to provide them with a challenging academic curriculum while addressing their unique needs. When property adjacent to the school became available, the board approved the purchase and an expansion to middle school was completed.
Today the school’s student body is comprised of approximately 150 students ages 2 years through 15 years who have high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. The Westview School is one of only a handful of schools in the world and the only school in the greater Houston area that specifically educates high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is exceptionally expensive to be the caregiver of a child with special needs. In addition to private school tuition, they often are responsible for speech therapy, occupational therapy, doctor’s appointments, medications and much more.
Westview receives no federal or state funding and relies on the generosity of the Houston community to help fund the 15% ($600,000) of our operating budget not covered by tuition and fees. The current tuition at Westview ranges from $18,750 to $26,750 annually – much less than all comparable programs in the greater Houston area.
Tuition, though, is still challenging for some families faced with the emotional and financial burden of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. Many children are in need of the special education The Westview School can provide. This year alone we will award $350,000 to students who need to attend school but whose families are unable to pay. Since 2003 The Westview School has awarded $2,390,000 in scholarships.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Westview School story. Tell us more about the business.
The Westview School is “the” school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder from ages 2 to 15 years. Westview’s challenging, well-rounded curriculum includes a full range of academic programs and a strong emphasis on social communication and social skills. We offer opportunities to pursue the arts, extra-curricular activities, and real-world experiences. The enhancement of self-esteem and the development of appropriate behavior allow our students to become successful members of the community.
As educators, we get to see incredible transformations – not just in our students, but in their entire families. We work closely with family members, even offering parent and sibling support.
We are also proud to have opened a full-service psychology clinic on our campus that is open to the community. The Stewart Center at The Westview School is staffed by highly-experienced professionals with specialized training in autism spectrum disorder. The Stewart Center serves children, adolescents and their families both from Westview and from the community. You do not have to be a student at The Westview School to receive services at The Stewart Center.
As part of the mission of The Stewart Center to be a center for early intervention, our staff receives specialized training in the early detection of developmental disorders. From birth to at least 36 months of age, every child should be screened for developmental milestones during routine well-child visits at their pediatrician’s office. When such a screening raises concerns, The Stewart Center can complete further evaluation, make diagnoses when appropriate and help families initiate early intervention.
The Stewart Center also works with children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, language disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders and adoption-related problems.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
We feel lucky that our founder, Jane, had a unique vision and profuse passion for the students she taught. We are lucky that her legacy is still strong, and that we have so many amazing people who work hard each day to carry out her mission.
Pricing:
- Tution ranges from $19,250 to $28,750
Contact Info:
- Website: www.westviewschool.org
- Phone: 713-973-1900
- Email: aharris@westviewschool.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Westview-School-346363667820/
- Twitter: @westviewschool_
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-westview-school-houston
- Other: www.stewartcenterhouston.org
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