Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Keystone Academy Philosophy?

The goal of The Keystone Academy is to provide a number of special education and related services to children with varying exceptionalities. The Keystone Academy is a clinic-based school for students ages 2 to 18 with a wide range of learning, emotional, physical, neurological, and developmental disabilities. Special education services focus on the development of academic, social, emotional and behavioral skills through trans-disciplinary comprehensive instruction in an environment that assists students to recognize and capitalize on their individual strengths.

The Keystone Academy is a premier, independent, educational institution, focusing on developing an individualized academic program where children progress through a curriculum of concepts and skills at their own pace. We believe that individuals with learning differences can be taught effectively only when instructional methods and curricula are tailored to each student's unique learning needs. We utilize a variety of instructional techniques and methods, believing that no one system is ideal for every child. Study and organizational skills are embedded in the curriculum to promote self-reliance and future academic success. Students develop an internal sense of organization and motivation through choice-making, experiencing the results of hard work, and academic inquiry. The Keystone Academy focuses on how each child can learn best, rather than on having the group "cover" a specific quantity of material. Consultation between classroom teachers, resource teachers, therapists, and other specialists is continuous, so that each child's program can be modified to meet his or her specific needs.

What Makes The Keystone Academy Different From Other Schools?

  • The Keystone Academy is the only clinic-based school in Northeast Florida Classroom instructors are both certified teachers and behavior analysts
  • Year-round, full-day instruction offering Intersession for enrichment
  • Research-based interventions and curricula
  • Individual Learning Plans
  • Open-door policy for parents with adherence to HIPAA policies

What Is the Staff to Student Ratio?

In all classes, the student-to-teacher ratio is never more than 5:2 but is frequently lower. The class size depends on the developmental needs of the students. Each classroom has at least one lead teacher and one behavior specialist. Additionally, resource teachers and interns frequently provide pull-out sessions to address goals for intensive 1:1 instruction.

How Are Classroom Placements Decided?

Students are placed in classrooms that will best meet their developmental, behavioral, and academic needs. Teaching and learning styles are taken into consideration, as well as the age and maturity of the student.

What Is the Modified School Calendar?

A modified school calendar reorganizes the school year to provide more continuous learning by dividing the long summer into smaller breaks throughout the year. Learning is continuous with a modified school calendar. The extent of learning loss that results from interruptions in education due to school breaks is reduced when learning is spread out over extended periods. Research shows that there are many benefits to a modified school calendar.

  • Studies show that children do not maintain the same rate of learning over the summer as they do during the traditional school year. Low-achieving students are more seriously affected by this decline than average and high achievers.
  • Studies also show that students retain more information when following a modified school calendar, especially in reading and math, which means increased performance in the classroom.
  • Schools who have adopted the modified school calendar report increased student attendance, fewer discipline problems, and a reduced student dropout rate for older students.
  • The modified calendar provides families with a more flexible way to plan family gatherings and vacations.
  • lntersessions result in less stress and burnout for teachers and students. The break refreshes teachers and students and increases enthusiasm and motivation for teaching and learning.
  • Students report that intersession activities are their favorite weeks of the year!

Keystone students attend school for the same number of days (183) as the traditional calendar but the modified school year begins in early August and ends in June. Students have the opportunity to attend up to 25 additional days of instruction during intersessions. Some students are strongly encouraged to participate in intersession if teachers determine they need additional support. Both remediation and cultural enrichment activities are offered for each Intersession. Past intersession classes have included swimming, surf camp, sensory gymnastics, yoga, and pottery.

What Is the Cost of Intersession?

The cost of intersession is $450 per week and includes 2 classes per day. Additional fees may apply for specially offered classes or field trips.

What Does The Tuition And Activity Fee Include?

Tuition includes your child's classroom instruction by a certified teacher and behavior specialist, the adapted curriculum used in the school, and the special subject areas of art, music, and physical education. All of the equipment, materials, and supplies used in the school are covered by tuition. Please see tuition schedule for details.

What Are Related Services And How Are They Determined?

Related services are Speech-Language, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA therapy, Feeding Therapy, Psychological, and Psychiatric services. These are charged separately from tuition on an hourly basis and are sometimes covered by insurance. Outside related services are welcomed once approved by the Executive Director.

Are Related Services Reimbursable Through My Insurance Provider?

Coverage for related services depends upon the insurance provider and plan. Due to the psychological/clinical setting, insurance may cover some expenses.

Please note that commercial insurance, Tricare, and Medicaid do not cover tuition. Depending on your insurance carrier, some services may be reimbursable and supplement tuition. Clinical services are clearly distinguished from educational services. Tuition is separate from any insurance and patient responsibilities including deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance. Routine waiver or discounting of a patient's coinsurance may violate state and federal law. Please do not ask our billing department to engage in such practices as they will not be honored. Situations of financial hardship will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should be addressed immediately with the billing department.

Are The Keystone Academy Related Services Required If My Child Receives Outside Therapies?

Outside therapies are not a replacement for related services at Keystone Academy. Although some students receive outside therapies, they are in addition to their The Keystone Academy program. The academic success of The Keystone Academy student is a result of our integrated team model. In addition to targeting specific skills, the related service providers within the school setting enable students to access the curriculum by providing in-class support and guiding students in generalizing emerging skills during their school day. The daily team collaboration promotes consistency and maximizes student success. The Keystone Academy clinicians will coordinate and collaborate with outside providers at the request of the family.

How Will Related Services Be Delivered?

The Keystone Academy model allows for flexible and creative delivery of services addressing the student's ILP goals. Students receive related services therapies in a variety of ways and settings, which include individual, group, and consultation. Services can be provided within the classroom, in pull-out services, or in any setting that is related to the child's goals. A child's services may include a combination of any of these effective delivery models. The cost for related services is the same for all delivery methods.

Does The Keystone Academy Accept or Offer Scholarships?

The Keystone Academy accepts the John McKay scholarship. In addition, 2 needs-based scholarships are offered each year. Please visit our funding matrix provided on www.thekeystoneacademy.com under the "Parent's Corner" for additional funding information.

If Payment Is Not Received When Due, Will My Child Still Be Enrolled?

Unless special arrangements are made, your child could be dismissed from school if payment is not timely. Before any child is dismissed from the school, parents or legal guardians are informed in writing.

Can I Authorize Automatic Payment Via My Credit Card For Tuition and Related Services?

Yes. Many parents are authorizing payment this way because it is convenient and saves time. However, a credit card on file is mandatory. Payments are required by the 15th of each month. If payment is not received, the credit card on file will be charged on the 16th of the given month.