About the ProgramBEACON logo

Our BEACON program is dedicated to serving students with speech and/or behavioral disabilities through an approach that emphasizes personalized attention and comprehensive support. With class sizes averaging just four students per teacher, plus the support of an SLP in our speech classrooms, we ensure each child receives the individualized care and instruction they need to thrive.

Currently, this program is only available at the North Charlotte campus.

Benefits of BEACON

Personalized Attention: Extremely small class sizes allow our teachers to understand each student's unique needs and tailor their instructional methods accordingly. This individualized approach helps in addressing specific speech and behavioral challenges more effectively.

Enhanced Communication Skills & Speech Support: In our non-speaking and limited-speaking classrooms, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) co-teaches alongside the classroom teacher throughout the day during times of direct instruction. This collaborative teaching model provides continuous speech instruction and services, facilitating better communication outcomes for our students.

Behavioral Support: With fewer students per class, teachers can implement and monitor behavioral strategies more closely, ensuring a supportive and structured environment that promotes positive behaviors and social interactions.

Hands-On Curriculum and Sensory Experiences

We enrich our students' learning experiences through a hands-on curriculum and various sensory activities, both in the classroom and in our on-campus sensory room. Our approach incorporates tactile, auditory, visual, and kinesthetic elements, allowing students to engage with the material in a multi-sensory manner. This method not only makes learning more accessible and enjoyable for students with speech and behavioral needs but also enhances their cognitive development and retention of information. The sensory room offers a calming and stimulating environment where students can explore different textures, lights, sounds, and movements, helping to regulate their sensory inputs and improve focus. These experiences support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and promote social interaction, leading to a more effective and holistic educational experience for our students.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

In our non-verbal and minimally-verbal classrooms, students are encouraged to utilize augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to support their communication needs. The curriculum we utilize was designed with specific supports and integrated links to ensure the seamless incorporation of these devices throughout the school day. By using AAC devices, students can effectively express their thoughts, needs, and emotions, fostering greater independence and participation in classroom activities. The use of AAC also enhances social interaction, as students can more easily communicate with peers and teachers. This not only boosts their confidence but also contributes to improved academic performance and overall well-being. Our commitment to integrating AAC devices into our educational framework ensures that every student has the tools they need to succeed and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Inclusive Participation in School Activities

Within the BEACON program, we believe in the holistic development of our students. Alongside the specialized support they receive, students in our program participate fully in all school activities. This includes:

  • Cooking: Hands-on learning in our cooking classes helps develop practical life skills and fosters independence.
  • Woodshop: Students engage in creative projects, enhancing their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities (age-dependent).
  • Physical Education (PE): Regular physical activity is vital for overall health and helps improve coordination and teamwork.
  • Music and Art: These classes provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity, essential for emotional well-being and cognitive development.

Our integrated approach ensures that students in the BEACON program benefit from a rich, well-rounded educational experience while receiving the specialized support they need to succeed. 

BEACON Tuition

Because the class size is smaller within the BEACON program and additional staff and material supports are provided, there is a slightly increased tuition associated with this program. The full-year tuition cost for BEACON is $31,500. We do accept NC's ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship. 

Join us at Ignite Achievement Academy and discover how the BEACON program can illuminate a brighter future for your child!