The Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) Program provides funding via the State of Ohio for students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) written by their district of residence. The amount of each scholarship is determined by a student’s eligibility category identified in his/her Evaluation Team Report (ETR). Most commonly, students eligible for JPSN funding at SSMS are eligible under the categories of:
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
- Other Heath Impairment -Minor (OHI)
- Autism (ASD)
Funding from JPSN is used at SSMS to provide related services designated in a student’s IEP such as intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Some services can and will be provided by SSMS faculty; others are provided by other trusted entities, who coordinate with the school and classrooms to deliver specialized instruction during the school day.
SSMS is a school that specializes in offering and delivering authentic, high-quality Montessori instruction. The Montessori philosophy is one that is inherently accommodating and individualized. It is natural to observe students in our environments that complete different lengths of assignments, choose alternative seating, or wear headphones to minimize distractions. Additionally, students learn at their own pace within developmentally typical ranges. It is often easy to imagine students with diverse learning styles thriving in a Montessori environment with freedom of movement, concrete learning materials, and an individualized learning approach. However, flourishing in a Montessori classroom requires a substantial amount of independence, self-direction, and self-awareness as a learner.
While SSMS accepts students using the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program, it is not capable of serving every student’s needs. Our school specializes in the Montessori pedagogy and has limitations providing the breadth and depth of services required for students with more intense academic, behavioral, or social/emotional needs. During the inquiry process, prospective families of JPSN learners are strongly encouraged to share any relevant educational evaluations (diagnostic reports, ETR, IEP, etc.). Having this information at the beginning of the inquiry process allows us to thoughtfully determine whether SSMS is the best environment for a prospective applicant to thrive and reach his/her full potential. If we determine SSMS is not the best fit for a particular learner, we hope to provide resources and direction for a family to continue to pursue an appropriate, fulfilling learning environment.
Please see the official JPSN resource on the Ohio Department of Education website for additional information.