Rise School Post #1

I wanted to make a quick post in case anyone was curious about the Rise School and John and I's progress. In session 11 months out of the year, the Rise School is home to children 18 months to 6 years old. The program caters to children with all types of special learning disabilities, but each classroom is split about 50/50 with what they call "typical" children, those without disabilities. There are about 10 children per classroom grouped by age, one teacher with a master's degree in childhood development, and 2-3 TAs, many of them grad. students. The program and learning is therapy based and students meet with therapists every week. By graduation, the children, both typical and with disabilities, have progressed tremendously and go on to Kindergarten. The school gets about 67% of its running costs through special events and fundraisers, and is located, although not affiliated, inside an evangelical church (think Marjoe...shit!) in south Austin. Everyone associated with the school is really excited about the project and we are finding great families and stories to document. Here are some pictures. Video to come soon.


Typical classroom setting. The kids are learning about different countries.


Kids doing this really funny running back drill. Look at all the little future Colts.


Little ones painting. Cute as crap.