A School That Saw Her Potential: Our Journey to Ignite Achievement Academy
Finding the right school for my neurodivergent daughter felt impossible.Before Ignite Achievement Academy, she struggled with behavior challenges, emotional regulation, and academics. It was heartbreaking to watch her potential be overshadowed by frustration and anxiety. As a parent, the exhaustion, worry, and helplessness were overwhelming.
But the most beautiful change? She is happy.
Then came Ignite Achievement—a gift we never knew was possible. From the moment we walked through their doors, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Osborn, Mrs. Brewer, Mr. McColley, and the entire staff embraced my daughter with patience, understanding, and unwavering support. They created a space where she feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn at her own pace. Now, she has the confidence to ask questions, work through challenges, and regulate her emotions in ways she never could before.
She’s forming real friendships—talking on the phone, playing games, and navigating social situations with joy instead of fear. She chats excitedly about the teachers she loves, friends who understand her, and a future that no longer feels out of reach. The anxiety that once weighed her down has been replaced with confidence and hope.
Through her persistence, my advocacy, and Ignite’s unwavering belief in her, she is improving academically and she is thriving in life.
To the Ignite Achievement team, thank you.Your dedication goes beyond education; you are changing lives, restoring confidence, and proving that every child deserves a place where they can shine. My daughter’s journey is proof of the incredible impact you make every day.
– Rozelle Gipson, parent
What Other Parents Say...
In one word, I would sum up our son’s experience at Ignite Achievement Academy as transformative.
He began in the one-on-one program and, through a very individualized approach, is thriving in the classroom. He participated in student council and we are now having discussions about the possibility of going to college. That is quite a turn-around in two years. I would say the proof is in the results and I don’t think we could have asked for more. Our child becomes more self-confident, more self-motivated, and more self-controlled with every passing week.
– Cannon T., parent
Ignite Achievement Academy has proven to be one of the best choices we’ve ever made for my high school daughter.
She benefits greatly from the personal attention that she gets academically, as well as emotionally. The environment is very kind and caring. I continue to be amazed at how well students of all ages interact with each other.
– Cheryl O., parent
We are continually amazed at how individualized the learning structure is at Ignite Achievement Academy.
They look at every student as an individual with unique talents, gifts, and challenges. Other schools we have attended require the students to fit into their standardized formula, never truly meeting the child where they are in their individual development. Because Ignite Achievement Academy looks at the whole child, we feel we now have a support system not only for our son’s academic growth but also his social and personal development as well. If academic changes need to be made to better serve the child, the staff at IAA recognizes them quickly and makes adjustments seamlessly. There is no “one size fits all” approach at IAA.
– Parent
It is a wonderful environment for children who need a nurturing, understanding, and academically suitable environment.
Ignite Achievement Academy has a very warm yet structured feel, something that was very important to us when searching for the appropriate school environment for our son. We believe this comes from the top and is felt by the children.
–Parent
Ignite Achievement Academy has changed our life.
We are amazed at the personalized attention and the individualized program our son is receiving. The one-on-one instruction has been the key to helping him transition back into a more traditional school environment from homeschooling. The structure that this program provides has created the optimal learning environment for him to thrive. It is wonderful to see our child gaining skills and confidence in a manner that is designed specifically to capitalize on his strengths while supporting him in the areas that are a struggle.
– Parent
Our son started at IAA during the middle school years. The small class size and individualized instruction have created a positive learning experience. He likes going to school now!
– Annette and Ed, Parents
I am thrilled that we found Ignite Achievement Academy.
Previously, my son had a miserable year in the sixth grade in the local public school where he was given a low D in math – his favorite subject and his strength. At IAA, he has blossomed. With the social pressures off, a learning plan that is tailored to him, and an environment where EVERY teacher is patient, caring, and attentive, he has become a stronger and more confident student in all subjects, and once again he says he loves math!
– Polly O., parent
I consider my family extremely lucky to have found Ignite Achievement Academy and its wonderful staff.
There is a sense of calm and comfort that my son has now. It is a special school where all the kids support each other despite their vast differences. Ignite Achievement Academy is teaching him what he needs to be successful in his future.
– Courtney P., parent
Our son has attended Ignite Achievement Academy for two years. He attended two other schools in the Charlotte area before attending Ignite. He needs the one-on-one attention, small classroom, and calm environment Ignite provides. The Ignite staff is wonderful in many ways. They are truly concerned about his well-being, educationally, emotionally and physically. We feel confident his academics are up to par with competing institutions, and remain pleased with his progress. He always looks forward to school after Christmas and summer breaks. Every time I drop him off at school, I am relieved that he is happy and safe at Ignite. I have attended many school functions and there is a common theme during every visit among the students: Ignite is a truly stable environment that provides quality education.
– Elizabeth C., parent
Ignite Achievement Academy is helpful by accommodating my personal academic needs. The teachers are patient and supportive through their guidance. My positive experience at Ignite has been beneficial for me and has helped me become a confident student.
– N.L., student
Ignite Achievement Academy has bettered my academic experience by allowing me to do all my studies at my own pace. Ignite is an extremely welcoming environment for anyone and I am really excelling with the help of my teachers and peers.
– Olivia D., student
We’re absolutely thrilled with our son’s grades this year! He thanks me often for having made the decision for him to attend Ignite Achievement Academy. He says, “It’s changed my life!”! Mother’s intuition may have known that a big change was needed, but, it’s the quality of teachers and the right environment that’s allowed him to thrive ... The biggest factor that contributed to his success came from the building of momentum from one successful victory to another and over things that once seemed impossible. So, it’s my turn to say "Thank you" to you and the wonderful teachers at Ignite for the tremendous part that you’ve all played in my son’s life.
– S.M., parent
Having my son at Ignite Achievement Academy gives him a chance to better himself and I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I visited Ignite Achievement Academy during a time of desperation. My son’s stress was affecting all areas of his life – he was suffering from headaches and could not absorb anything being taught at school.
I realized we needed to get him help. We researched several schools before taking a tour of Ignite Achievement Academy. As we went from one class to the next, I was drawn to the warm environment, low student-teacher ratio and the standards of excellence the teachers expected from their students.
Since my son has been at Ignite Achievement Academy, he can now do homework by himself. Because Ignite works so intensively with my child during the school day, he has a full understanding of the homework assignment. His confidence has soared, his social skills have improved and his communication skills have improved immensely!
– B. & W.H., parents
Our son is nearing the completion of his first year participating in the FLAME program at Ignite Achievement Academy.
He is currently a Senior, and we are looking at college options and next steps after graduation. While on a recent tour for Clemson Life, it was very evident that the FLAME program has been a great learning experience. Part of the Clemson Life program focuses on hospitality internships, budgeting, functional math, and cooking and preparing healthy meals. Through FLAME, Michael has worked directly with Hospitality House here in Charlotte, performing similar duties. In addition, he has participated in weekly cooking classes, meal planning and budgeting, and using functional math in the real world. He is getting hands-on experience with all of the weekly volunteer opportunities, and I left our tour knowing Michael was more than ready for his next chapter.
-N. Crowell, Parent of a 12th grade FLAME student
Testimonials for after-school tutoring:
Not too long ago, my daughter was failing math. Because her tutor tailors her instruction to my daughter’s specific learning needs, she is now making a B!
– Janet D., parent of tutorial student
Ignite Achievement Academy’s well-written curriculum and nurturing staff have helped my child thrive in school.
– Cindy T., parent of tutorial student