School Within A School . . . A Unique Place for Children with

Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism

In 2000, a dream came true when a school was created for children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism.  School Within a School became a reality. 

School Within a School, a part of Veritas Christian Academy, a classical Christian School, was established to provide an individualized and structured educational experience to these special children.  The program seeks to develop and foster the skills for a fulfilling, productive and independent life in school, home and community to the full extent of the student's abilities. 

Asperger Syndrome, or High Functioning Autism, is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects an estimated one out of every two hundred and fifty individuals.  It is a neurological condition characterized by sustained impairments in social interactions and social-relatedness, as well as the development of restrictive, repetitive patterns of interests, activities and behaviors.  These bright students who become bright men and women typically have a specific area of giftedness, in which they intuitively grasp concepts and visual structures that most cannot see.  Because of this they have the potential to become experts in their fields, and to be useful and beneficial members of society.

Their challenges, however, often cripple their ability to succeed without help.  Anxiety, anger, depression, and withdrawal are normal reactions to a world that does not make sense to an otherwise intelligent individual.  With appropriate intervention, those with Asperger Syndrome can learn the skills they need to succeed.

The program serves as a support to enable each student to be mainstreamed and attend regular classes, following an individualized education plan.  Social skills and life skills are taught regularly and can be tailored to the specific needs of each student as he or she interacts with peers and teachers.  A teacher is assigned to work with a student and provide academic support, and instruction and training in daily living skills such as organization, problem solving, stress management and communication.  The student is not only given the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, but also learns the tools he or she will need throughout his or her life to succeed.

How the Program Began

Mark and Teri Muir moved to North Carolina after deciding to leave the fast-paced lifestyle they were enjoying as Mark served as one of Viking Office Products top executives in California.  Realizing their son was going to need a special educational environment to realize his potential, they settled in Western North Carolina.  In February of 2000, their son Christopher was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.  They visited schools all over the United States, and after many hours of prayer and research, taking the best parts of what they had observed, realized that a unique program would have to be developed to best serve students with Asperger Syndrome.  Working with Veritas Christian Academy, School Within a School was created, and accepted students for the first time for the 2000-2001 school year. 

Now in its sixth year of operation, this unique program continues to make a difference in the lives of the children it serves.  Mark and Teri continue to serve as executive directors, although the day to day operation of the program is under the leadership of Marlou de Vera, M.Ed., Program Director.

As the program develops, our prayer is that it will serve as a model for other schools to follow, expanding our impact on students with Asperger Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorders.