Since its launch in August 2021, the Exceptional Children’s Program at Rocky Mount Academy (RMA) has been making a transformative impact on the lives of students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Initially serving grades 6-12, the program has grown over the years to offer a comprehensive, inclusive academic environment for students of all ages. By August 2022, the program expanded to support students in grades K-5, and in August 2023, RMA introduced its middle school division, completing the final stage of this progressive initiative.

The Exceptional Children’s Program at Rocky Mount Academy focuses on offering students an individualized education in a self-contained setting. The goal is to foster both academic growth and independent living skills, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Through person-centered planning, educators tailor each student's experience to their unique needs, all within an environment that encourages participation in school-wide and community activities.

Rocky Mount Academy takes pride in creating a learning environment that integrates students with intellectual disabilities into the broader school community. Whether it’s participating in service projects, attending swimming lessons at the local YMCA, or competing in the Special Olympics, students in the Exceptional Children’s Program are active participants in both academic and extracurricular activities.

In December 2022, Rocky Mount Academy earned the distinction of becoming a Unified Champion School through Special Olympics North Carolina. This milestone symbolizes RMA's commitment to fostering inclusion, unity, and mutual respect among all students, regardless of ability.

The program’s mission is clear: to provide an inclusive academic and social experience that empowers students ages 5-21 to engage with the total school environment, building the skills necessary for academic success and independent living.

What sets RMA apart is its commitment to ensuring that students in the Exceptional Children’s Program are not only included but celebrated. The program's impact reaches far beyond the classroom, as students participate in various community engagement initiatives, including:

-Delivering Meals on Wheels once a month, teaching students the importance of community service.

-Taking part in the Stronger Together Club, where students of all abilities collaborate in monthly activities that foster friendship and understanding.

-Engaging in internship opportunities for special education students in each division, allowing hands-on experience in real-world environments.

As the first traditional private school in the area to implement an Exceptional Children’s Program, Rocky Mount Academy stands out as a leader in inclusive education. The lower, middle, and upper school divisions are fully equipped to meet the needs of students with intellectual disabilities, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.

The program’s success can be seen in the students’ personal and academic growth, as well as in the seamless integration of students into the fabric of Rocky Mount Academy’s broader community. Notably, 25% of the students in the Exceptional Children’s Program have siblings enrolled in RMA’s regular education, further enhancing the family-centered nature of the school.

By prioritizing individualized education, community involvement, and extracurricular activities, RMA’s Exceptional Children’s Program continues to enrich the lives of students, staff, and the school community as a whole. The academy remains committed to supporting a culture in which every student has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

With a vision for inclusivity and a dedication to fostering the independence and success of its students, Rocky Mount Academy’s Exceptional Children’s Program serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for exceptional learners in the Twin Counties and beyond.

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