• IMA’s Focused Service Area for Enrolling Students •

IMA is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) school for neurodivergent K-12 students specializing in Autism. However, we also accept students with other neurodivergent/special needs children that can benefit from our structure, curriculum, and services.

There is a difference between aggressive behaviors and maladaptive behaviors which are not harmful or threatening toward others.
IMA is equipped to manage non-aggressive maladaptive behaviors relating to sensory processing difficulties, social skill deficits, coping mechanisms, and emotional regulation.
IMA is designed for students with behaviors that can be managed in a small classroom setting.
We maintain 10-12 students with 2 staff members to allow for more focused and individualized assistance as needed by the students.

IMA is not a behavior school.
IMA is not designed or equipped to meet the needs of students with severe to profound levels of disability who exhibit aggressive, harmful, destructive, threatening, or dangerous behaviors.
IMA has a Zero Tolerance Policy for Bullying behaviors directed toward other students. This includes physical and verbal aggression or threats.

IMA staff is not equipped to meet the needs of students who require full-time one-on-one
Assistance. However, IMA will consider enrolling students who need full-time one-on-one assistance if the family already has an established service provider to meet this need and the paraprofessional will be in attendance with the child at all times.

IMA is designed for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
However, we understand that disability severity levels do not adequately provide a full picture of the student’s abilities, needs, behaviors, etc. Therefore, students with higher levels of disability severity may be considered for enrollment if the student does not require 24/7 one-on-one assistance and does not have aggressive behaviors.

All potential students for enrollment are required to spend 1-3 full school days at the school for assessment.
During this time, students will meet staff and become familiar with our school atmosphere. Students will also be assessed on their current academic levels so curriculum materials that match their skill level can be preordered if the student is officially accepted for enrollment.
The student will also be observed in our classroom setting to provide staff and our school board with a well-rounded picture of the student's unique needs to ensure that we can meet those needs.
School visitation days are valuable because it helps the student’s family determine if this is the right educational placement for their child and it helps IMA determine if we have the resources available to meet the student's needs and help them thrive.

Acceptance and enrollment decisions are mutual decisions. The family chooses IMA & IMA chooses them as a good fit!