Tailored to deliver specialized support for middle and high school students, Academy District 20’s newest program, Aspire Learning Academy, has officially opened.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, district leaders showcased the upgraded facilities at the D20 Education and Administration Center, to offer specialized support for students who face challenges in traditional classroom settings.
“This new program is the result of the love and work to make sure our students feel part of their school community while meeting their needs in a small, intentional environment,” Dr. Belinda Lujan-Lindsey, Academy District 20’s Executive Director for Special Education, said.
Aspire’s program was created to meet the unique needs of students with social, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive impairments, offering a more individualized approach within a small, supportive environment. With three rotating classrooms and dedicated staff, Aspire aims to foster student success and eventual reintegration into their neighborhood schools.
“I am confident that student who go through this program will have the knowledge, skills, and character preparing them for their next step in life,” D20’s Superintendent Jinger Haberer explained.
Aspire Learning Academy will start small, with a limited number of students, ensuring meaningful connections and personalized support. Student placement will be determined by Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and the program is expected to grow carefully over time.
Aspire’s Program Administrator Taylor May said, “We’re wanting to be intentional to start small, because sometimes smaller is better and it really is about making those meaningful connections with our students to provide them with what they need.”
