The Solly School isdesigned as a highly specialized area of education for ages 2 years old through 5th gradethat provideschildren with exceptionalities the same opportunities as other children for a meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling life and develops the student as a skillful, free and purposeful person, able to plan and manage his or her own life and to reach his or her potential as an individual and as a member of society.
The Lipscomb Academy Special Needs Program provides a unique opportunity for students with special needs to receive an exceptional education in an inclusive, integrated Christian community. This program is driven by the school’s mission to “equip students to love to learn, learn to love and live to serve,” while keeping in mind that each person is uniquely shaped by God. This is consistent with Lipscomb Academy’s commitment for over 129 years to develop the mind, body, and spirit of all students regardless of their academic profile.
The goal for students in the special needs program will be similar to all students at Lipscomb Academy: to achieve their academic, social and emotional potential and to serve the Lord. Created as an integrated program, students in this program will be included in the regular student body as is individually appropriate. An inclusive approach encourages all students to reach their potential and to live and succeed in a diverse environment. Each student will be provided with the level of instructional support necessary by the best educators with expertise in the area of special education. Students with special needs at Lipscomb Academy will be challenged to learn and grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Program Requirements:
- Students should have a diagnosed disability that meets the criteria for an intellectual or developmental disability.
Students should show emerging or functional age appropriate communication skills verbally or through a communication device.
With accommodations, modifications, and support from general and special education teachers, students must be able to participate in inclusive whole-group classroom lessons.
Students should be able to work or play independently for parts of the day without support staff (e.g., lunch, recess, PE).
Must be toilet trained (by age 3) and manage personal hygiene/eating with minimal support.
Behaviors must not include major risk factors (elopement, aggression toward peers or adults, excessive or inappropriate language, self-harm, etc.).
Medical needs should not require the attention of medically trained staff.
Solly School Resources
- Admission Process
- High Hopes Development Center
- Faith
Admission Process
- Step 1- Acknowledge Solly Program Requirements
Step 2 - Fill out Lipscomb Academy Inquiry Form
Step 3 - An Admission counselor will reach out.
Step 4 - Meeting with Director of Solly School
Step 5 -Fill out Solly School Application
Step 6 - Student Observation (Director of Solly will observe student in current program)
Step 7 - Student Visit Evaluation (On-campus evaluation)
Step 8 - Final Admission Decision
Due to space limitations, it is possible that not all applicants who meet the criteria for admission will be interviewed or accepted into the Solly School.
Jennifer Watson at jennifer.watson@lipscomb.edu for more information regarding the Solly School admissions process. We can be reached by phone at 615-966-5037 or 615-966-6330.
High Hopes Development Center
Beginning in August 2021, Lipscomb Academy and High Hopes Development Center forge a historic partnership on Lipscomb’s lower school campus to better serve children in need of therapeutic services. Physically located in the heart of Lipscomb’s Solly School, High Hopes' first-of-its-kind satellite clinic will offer therapeutic services for Lipscomb Academy students as well as outpatients from the surrounding Davidson County community. The High Hopes clinic at the Solly School will replicate the therapy experience of the main campus in Franklin. Children will benefit from large treatment areas, private therapy rooms, and a sensory space, all outfitted with developmentally appropriate equipment that makes therapy effective and fun.
Since its establishment 37 years ago, High Hopes has met the needs of children and their families by creating an inclusive preschool and pediatric therapy clinic in one location. By combining both academic and therapeutic necessities, High Hopes is the only organization to incorporate this unique model in Williamson County, a service that will now be available to Lipscomb Academy students and children in Davidson County at Lipscomb’s Solly School.
Faith
Beyond academic expectations and classroom instruction, our students with special needs will be part of our spiritual formation program. Through Bible, chapel, and other activities, all students grow in their love for the Lord and experience the joy and peace that comes through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Solly School SESL (Social-Emotional-Spiritual Learning)
Morning Meeting sets the tone for joyful and respectful learning and creates community within the classroom where students discover the nature of God, how they fit within his story, and live in relationship with others.Social-Emotional-Spiritual learning also includes our Heart & Mind programming, chapel, and daily morning meetings in each classroom, every day.
Solly School Faculty Directory
Asmaa Alsoufi
Solly School
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Grace Burton
Solly School
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Billy Clayton
Solly School Paraprofessional
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Serena Coles
Solly School Special Education Teacher
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Jane Jensen
Solly School Faculty
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Lizzie Kamstra
Solly School Faculty
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Christiana Liddle
Solly School Special Education Teacher
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Brynn Lotz
Solly School paraprofessional
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Hannah Maroni
Solly School Faculty
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Drew McCollum
Solly School Paraprofessional
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Tori Schow
Solly School Paraprofessional
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Shelby Shepherd
Solly School Paraprofessional
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Tim Spivey
Solly School Special Education Teacher
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Janna Woodason
Director of Special Needs
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