Finding the right private school for a child with diverse learning needs can feel overwhelming. For those in Derita, Ignite Achievement Academy North Campus offers a nurturing, research‐driven environment where students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech and behavior disorders, and other special needs can build confidence and master essential skills. Located at 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd., just minutes from central Derita, Ignite combines small class sizes, individualized Academic Plans, and a suite of specialized programs to ensure every learner achieves success—academically, socially, and personally.

A Rigorous, Personalized Academic Foundation

At Ignite, our academic programs follow a measurable, four‐step process that aligns with state and national standards: assessing each student’s current achievement levels; diagnosing the root causes of skill delays; delivering a customized instructional plan; and continuously measuring progress to refine instruction as needed. In Derita, this means your child begins with diagnostic testing in reading, writing, math, and executive‐function skills, setting the stage for lessons that target exactly where they need support.

Four‑Step Academic Process:

• Assess each student’s current achievement levels.
• Diagnose the root causes of any skill delays.
• Deliver a customized instructional plan tailored to individual needs.
• Continuously measure progress and refine instruction as needed.

Derita Implementation:

• Begin with diagnostic testing in reading, writing, math, and executive‑function skills.
• Use those results to target lessons exactly where each student needs support.

Students in grades K–8 work in one‑to‑one or very small groups (no more than six peers) so teachers can adapt pacing, materials, and accommodations—be it extra processing time, multi‑sensory approaches, or assistive technology—for those with dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and more. As confidence grows, learners transition seamlessly into slightly larger classes (one teacher plus a teaching assistant for four students), maintaining the close support that unlocks real progress.

K–8 Instructional Model:

• One‑to‑one or very small groups (maximum six students) for individualized pacing, materials, and accommodations—such as extra processing time, multi‑sensory approaches, or assistive technology.
• As mastery and confidence grow, transition into slightly larger classes (one teacher plus a teaching assistant for four students), preserving close support while encouraging peer collaboration.

“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...”
— Elizabeth C., parent (Testimonials page)

Applied Learning: Bridging Classroom and Real World

Nutrition Labs: Students measure ingredients and practice kitchen safety, applying math and science concepts in a real‐world setting.

School Gardens: Learners plant and tend seasonal vegetables to study life cycles and environmental science hands‐on.

Woodshop Projects: Sanding and painting wood pieces reinforces geometry and measurement skills through practical craftsmanship.

Embedded Academics: English, math, science, and social‑studies objectives are woven into each project so students see everyday relevance—and retain learning more deeply.

 

In Derita, abstract concepts become concrete through our Applied Learning classes. What does this look like? Students measure ingredients and practice kitchen safety in nutrition labs, plant seasonal vegetables to study life cycles, and sand and paint wood in the shop to reinforce geometry and measurement skills. By embedding English, math, science, and social‑studies objectives into hands‑on projects, learners see the relevance of academic content in everyday life—and retain it more deeply.

Physical Education Tailored for All Abilities

Physical activity is a crucial component of holistic education, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or motor challenges. Our Derita program uses adaptive equipment—lighter balls, foam‑padded climbing logs, and inclusive team games such as flag football—to build cardiovascular health, strength, coordination, and social skills. Whether dribbling a basketball or completing an obstacle course, students develop perseverance and teamwork in a supportive setting.

Art and Music: Expressive Pathways to Growth

Creativity thrives in small, focused art and music classes. In art, students learn perspective drawing, color theory, and texture exploration with watercolor, pastels, and mixed media. Music learners explore rhythm, beat, harmony, and instrumentation through singing, percussion ensembles, and historical listening sessions. These experiences cultivate fine motor skills, listening comprehension, and self‑expression for learners with varied 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 (Testimonials page)

FLAME Program: Life Skills for Independence

Ignite’s Functional Learning to Acquire Meaningful Experience (FLAME) program supports high schoolers (grades 9–12 and up to age 21) who aspire to live independently and secure meaningful employment. With off‑campus internships at local retailers, restaurants, and community organizations, FLAME students practice stocking shelves, checking food expiration, and customer service. In‐class lessons in financial literacy cover budgeting, making change, and resume writing, while cooking labs build self‑sufficiency in meal planning and nutrition. Transportation to community sites is provided, ensuring every student accesses hands‑on training that prepares them for life beyond Derita.

Program Focus: Ignite’s FLAME (Functional Learning to Acquire Meaningful Experience) supports high schoolers (grades 9–12, up to age 21) in building independence and meaningful employment skills.

Off‑Campus Internships: Placements at local retailers, restaurants, and community organizations where students practice stocking shelves, checking food expiration dates, and delivering customer service.

Financial Literacy Lessons: In‑class modules covering budgeting, making change, and resume writing to prepare students for real‑world money management and job applications.

Cooking Labs: Hands‑on sessions in meal planning, kitchen safety, and nutritional preparation to foster self‑sufficiency.

Transportation Provided: Safe transport to community sites ensures every student can access the practical training needed for success beyond Derita.

BEACON Program: Speech and Behavioral Supports

For learners with speech delays or behavioral challenges, our BEACON program offers an ultra‑small classroom (average four students) co‑taught by certified special educators and a speech‑language pathologist. Evidence‑based behavior interventions, social skills groups, and sensory‑rich experiences in our on‑campus sensory room help students build communication, self‑regulation, and positive coping strategies. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are seamlessly integrated, ensuring non‑ or minimally verbal students can express needs, participate fully, and access rigorous academics alongside their peers.

 Specialized Support at Our Derita Campus

Located in the 28269–area, Ignite’s North Campus near Derita expands services for students with more significant cognitive delays, those who are non‑verbal or minimally verbal, and learners requiring intensive behavior support. Classrooms are organized by age, ability level, and need—so a fifth grader with speech challenges learns alongside peers with similar profiles. Our North campus also offers dedicated occupational and physical therapy, daily speech sessions, and sensory‑modulation breaks to optimize focus and learning.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with our son’s grades this year!… The quality of teachers and the right environment has allowed him to thrive. Thank you to the wonderful teachers at Ignite for the tremendous part you’ve played in my son’s life.”
— Parent testimonial (Testimonials page)

Why Derita Families Choose Ignite

• Location & Community: Conveniently situated in the Derita neighborhood (Charlotte 28269), our North Campus offers easy access for families throughout Mecklenburg County.
• Accreditation & Standards: Fully accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and aligned with North Carolina state standards, Ignite combines accountability with individualized flexibility.
• Collaborative Approach: Teachers, therapists, and families work as a team—sharing data, celebrating milestones, and adjusting goals to keep each student moving forward.
• Holistic Enrichment: From Applied Learning and sports to art, music, and summer programs, Ignite cultivates every dimension of a child’s development.

Curriculum Overview

Ignite Achievement Academy’s curriculum is grounded in individualized planning, research‑based materials, and continuous progress monitoring. Every student follows a tailored path designed to address unique learning barriers and build confidence across core subjects.

Individualized Academic Planning

Each learner begins the year with an Individualized Academic Plan that:

• Assesses current skill levels in reading, writing, math, and executive functions
• Diagnoses underlying causes of delays (e.g., processing speed, attention challenges)
• Prescribes a customized set of curriculum materials and instructional strategies
• Monitors progress continuously, using data to refine goals and adjust supports

Mathematics Curriculum

To build both foundational fluency and advanced reasoning skills, Ignite uses a layered approach:

• enCORE (K–12)
  • Thematic, cross‑curricular modules covering math alongside language arts, science, and social studies
  • Multi‑sensory activities, assistive‑technology integration, and leveled texts for diverse learners
• Manus Curriculums
  • Structured, explicit lessons advancing from basic number sense to high‑school mathematics
  • Written specifically for students with learning barriers, emphasizing skill mastery and confidence
• McGraw Hill – Connecting Math Concepts (K–5)
  • Multisensory, research‑based modules for students working significantly below grade level
  • Designed for learners with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities or autism
• Supplemental Modules
  • Financial math, real‑world applications, and life‑skills math through the FLAME program

English Language Arts Curriculum

Our literacy framework combines core instruction with targeted interventions:

• enCORE (K–12)
  • Integrates language arts into thematic, cross‑disciplinary units
  • Pictorial through modified‑text options to match each student’s reading level
• Manus Curriculums
  • Systematic, multi‑year literacy program covering grammar, spelling, phonics, fluency, and writing
  • Explicit lessons aligned to standards, crafted for learners with reading and writing challenges
• SPIRE Intervention
  • Multisensory, teacher‑led instruction based on the science of reading
  • Proven to transform beginning and striving readers—including those with dyslexia—into confident literate learners

Science Curriculum

A phenomena‑based approach encourages inquiry and real‑world connections:

• enCORE (K–12)
  • Core science units embedded within thematic modules, with hands‑on components
• Generation Genius
  • Interactive experiments and projects developed with the National Science Teaching Association
• Manus Curriculums
  • Scaffolded lessons from foundational science to college‑prep coursework
• Mystery Science
  • Engaging videos and standards‑aligned investigations (e.g., dinosaur bone digs)
• High‑School Texts
  • Supplementary resources from Discovery Education and McGraw Hill for advanced courses

Social Studies & History Curriculum

Students explore civic, cultural, and historical concepts through multi‑level resources:

• enCORE (K–12)
  • Thematic social‑studies units aligned to grade‑level standards
• Supplemental Programs
  • McGraw Hill, Attainment Company, and STAR Autism materials tailored to varied learning profiles
• High‑School Texts
  • Pearson and McGraw Hill textbooks for rigorous preparation in World History, U.S. History, Civics, and Economics

Instructional Model & Support Services

Successful outcomes stem from a holistic, team‑based approach:

• Small Class Sizes
  • K–8 groups capped at six students; high‑school classes maintain a low teacher‑to‑student ratio
• Teacher Assistants
  • One‑on‑one or small‑group reinforcement aligned to each student’s plan
• Therapeutic Integration
  • Embedded occupational, physical, speech, and executive‑function coaching
• Data‑Driven Adjustments
  • Ongoing assessments guide refinements to pacing, materials, and intensity

Together, these elements ensure that every Ignite student engages with grade‑level standards at the “just‑right” level of challenge—building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Join Us at Ignite Achievement Academy—Derita Campus

If you’re seeking a private school in Derita that understands learning disabilities, champions ADHD programs in Charlotte, and excels as an autism school in Derita, schedule your tour today. Let us show you how our Derita special needs school transforms challenges into milestones and inspires every learner to ignite their potential.

Contact Us:
Ignite Achievement Academy – North Campus
3835 W. WT Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269
(704) 302‑1143 | Schedule a Tour

Discover how Ignite’s proven academic programs, specialized FLAME and BEACON tracks, and heartfelt commitment can make Derita your child’s launchpad for success in school—and in life.