For years Elena struggled through school, until we finally received her autism diagnosis in 5th grade and it all made sense.  When she started at Jeremiah School, we had never been more nervous. Would she fit in? Would she be happy? Was it the right place for her?  All question and doubt evaporated when we picked her up after her first day.  It was the first time I had ever seen her walk out of school with a smile.  For the first time, she can be herself.  For the first time, she has a voice and can express what she needs and when she needs it.  I couldn’t even begin to describe all the benefits that attending Jeremiah School has had for Elena.  But what I can say is that it has been truly life changing for her in the most positive way imaginable.

Samuel Delaune

Parent

I love Jeremiah School because there are new friends and teachers. They help me. There are no bullies. The best thing I love about my school is there are no bullies, because I was bullied before. Everyone here is nice to me.

Jacob

Student

I like Jeremiah School mainly because the people are nicer here than at my old school. I haven’t had a single problem here at all and I have been happy so far. I hope it stays that way – it works for me!

Caleb

Student

My name is Anya. I am a student in Jeremiah School and I love this school because I get along with the 

Anya

Student

Noah is very happy to come to school each day. He is relaxed, calm, and his anxiety has decreased dramatically. He enjoys the other students and has made some good friends, he even went to the movies with one of them! He loves going swimming and is enjoying learning to cook.

For the first time ever, he is experiencing no behavioral issues – it is wonderful! We are all very happy to be at Jeremiah School. Jennifer Marsh

Mother

It’s a funny story how I ended up at the Jeremiah School. I wasn’t looking for it, but it found me and it has changed my life.
On a chilly, fall Sunday afternoon, my family was looking for something to do. My children decided they wanted to go bowling. So we jumped in the car and headed to Holiday Lanes. When we arrived we were told to come back in an hour due to a fundraiser going on.
When we came back, the fundraiser was ending, we were renting our awesome bowling shoes, and getting a lane assignment. It was a little chaotic, but somehow in that moment, a lady wearing a Jeremiah School shirt grabbed my attention. (This lady just so happened to be the Director of Jeremiah School!) I approached her and asked what the Jeremiah School was. As she talked, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.
We exchanged information and a week later I got a phone call asking me to come in. I thought it was an informal meeting for volunteer work.
The day after the meeting I received a call asking if I would be interested in being the classroom assistant.
God puts people in the right place at the right time and that’s exactly what I think happened when I saw Jeremiah School at the Holiday Lanes. He knew I needed those students in my life. Heather Poston

Teacher Assistant

This school year we enrolled my granddaughter and we could not be happier. Whitney is taught on her academic level, but she is also learning social skills. This is a critical area for these students. Whitney is learning to ride the transit because most students with autism do not drive. She is in the community learning independent life skills such as ordering a meal, waiting patiently and paying. She is thriving in an environment where she can learn and grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, and independently. The staff is wonderful. Creola Miller

Grandparent and Board of Education Member for Carter County

Going to Jeremiah School is different from attending other schools. Firstly, instead of having to follow the typical school curriculum, the curriculum here is tailored towards you. The schedule is more flexible and students can learn extracurricular activities. Lastly, you have fun at Jeremiah School.

One of the things I enjoy most is the cooking lessons on Wednesdays. Not only do we get to refine our knife skills, my classmates and I get to make delicious food to eat and enjoy. Lucas Lowe

Student

I like it at Jeremiah School because they accommodate our needs well and the teachers are excellent. Mr. B and Ms. Ashlyn have a good personality and attitude.

Beckett

Student

This is the best school I have ever been to. People here listen to what you have to say and help you out – to do better. I love how I can help people out, too. It feels good to help and be kind. People are nice and helpful and careful with how they treat each other. Thank you for helping me be positive. Thank you for letting me help others. Thank you for letting us go on trips and having fun. I love this school. 

Jasmine

Student

The Jeremiah School is different from my experience at my other school because here we can take a sensory break when we get annoyed, sad, or upset. We support each other. We learn social skills. The teachers are nice. We have 7 kids in our class, so it is easier to focus on one person at a time. We can talk to the teachers when we want to. 

Elena

Student

I like Jeremiah School because I feel accepted.

Landon

Student

We have seen numerous advantages for Cole since attending Jeremiah School. He has become more independent and is better able to take care of himself. He has  become more outspoken and better able to communicate his feelings and thoughts. We have had several deep conversations over current events, politics and other controversial topics.

The school has been great for him, and we cannot wait to see future growth and development, not only within Cole, but also for the school so that more children can get the support and education they need within a warm and nurturing environment. Denise Pierce

Mother

When Sam went to middle school, he was overstimulated by the number of kids, noise, pressure, and school work. Without an aid to help him, he shut down and stopped doing any work. He felt frustrated, isolated, alone, and like he was a burden. We started looking for an alternative and luckily found Jeremiah School. I remember after a week of being at Jeremiah School, Jo Cullen said to me, “Your son is a real asset to our school” and I teared up. I felt like he was finally being looked at for his strengths, not his weaknesses. He loves going to school every day now. I believe he finally feels understood, that he has friends, and that he belongs somewhere. He comes home happy and unstressed. It is such a relief to know he is being nurtured and taught in a manner that is the best learning environment for him.

There is a desperate need in this area for a school like Jeremiah School where kids are taught not only academics, but life skills, so they can become successful adults. It is that beacon of hope that is so greatly needed. All the staff at Jeremiah are a true blessing to our community and our family. We are extremely grateful for finding them. Elizabeth Wright

Mother

I had heard about Jeremiah School from some friends, so when I was invited to attend the Jeremiah School Christmas Showcase last December, I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet the students and learn more about the school’s mission.

The last thing I expected was to be on the Jeremiah School Board of Directors just a few months later.

The experience of the Christmas Showcase really moved me to do something – anything – to help out this very new, and very much needed school. Watching the students proudly perform and seeing the huge smiles on the faces of their families and friends made me realize how much these uniquely talented kids have to offer.

Since joining the Board, I have witnessed first-hand the vital role that Jeremiah School plays in the lives of students on the autism spectrum. Our students need a supportive environment that can nurture and develop their educational and relational skills as young people, so they can lead self-sustaining lives as adults.

There is a great need for what Jeremiah School brings to the communities in which it serves. We’ve developed partnerships with businesses and individuals, but there’s always a need for more. It is an honor and a blessing to be part of the Jeremiah School community, and I invite you to become involved – through your donations, your time, and your prayers.

This school is changing lives! It’s definitely changed mine. Thomas Eorgan

Jeremiah School Board Member