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Student Stories

What I always thought was so valuable about The Academy was that there was great structure and focus on organization, while also being a safe, happy place. Students are held accountable and given direct instruction in skills beyond just the academic (social, life, organization, study).

I was an ADHD kid and always had such a hard time staying organized, focusing, and feeling excited about school. I felt I was failing no matter how hard I tried; in a traditional school, I was always behind and always anxious. When I went to The Academy, I learned that there was nothing wrong with learning differently, and in many ways, it could be a superpower. With a structure and teaching strategies that embraced the way I learn, I could be successful and independent. I continued on from The Academy with great confidence and excitement in my academic, social, and executive functioning skills! Now, I teach at Meredith-Dunn School and get to share my love of education with those who also learn differently! Being at The Academy was a pivotal moment in my educational experience and I am so thankful for them!

– Ann Lucas S, 8th grade teacher at Meredith-Dunn

I began attending The Academy of Louisville as a sophomore in 2017. Before finding The Academy, I had attended six different schools over the span of five years, none of which was able to help me in the way I needed. Having been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and a handful of learning differences, it had been a struggle to find a school that was even equipped to understand my struggle in the classroom. 

Shortly after joining The Academy, I not only succeeded, but thrived as a stellar student. Thanks to The Academy, I received excellent ACT scores, graduated The Academy of Louisville in the class of 2020, and have now received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University, as of May 2025. I credit all of my academic success to The Academy of Louisville and tell anyone who will listen that I wouldn’t be where I am today without having gone there.

– Nikki S, recent WKU graduate

Growing up, I often found myself bouncing between schools and losing myself in video games. Academics were never my strong suit. I was usually behind in classwork and constantly drowning in homework. No matter how hard I tried, I felt like I couldn’t keep up. I used to sit and wonder to myself, “What is it that I really need to succeed?”

The answer came when I found The Academy of Louisville. Unlike other schools that focused strictly on the workload, The Academy focused on the student. It wasn’t about forcing everyone into the same mold. It was about shaping the learning experience around each individual. At The Academy, there truly was a place for everyone. Some of my friends were encouraged to explore their passion for painting and the arts, while others discovered a talent for debate and the path toward politics. For me, The Academy unlocked something I didn’t even realize I could pursue. I was given the chance to learn coding and game development.

That opportunity changed everything. What once felt like a weakness in academics became a passion for learning because I was finally able to study in a way that connected with who I was. Now, I’ve taken that foundation with me to college. Today, I am proud to be attending the fourth largest university in Kentucky, working under a handful of amazing professors and learning in classes that continue to inspire me. I’m pursuing a major in graphic design with a minor in game development, and every step I take reminds me of how The Academy gave me the tools and confidence to find my path.

– Charlie, E, Academy class of 2025, WKU freshman

As a student with autism, I feel like The Academy helped me form lasting friendships and relationships. Another thing The Academy does well is actually teaching skills to be prepared for college. That helped me a lot! 

Honestly, I am thriving. I am president of Transylvania College Dems and VP of our LGBTQ+ and currently working on bringing back Transy’s chapter of It’s on Us, meeting with a state congressional candidate on Wednesday and recently talked with my professor about potentially crafting a new sociological theory. I’m going to law school after college, and after that perhaps run for office. I also went to London and Gibraltar for Study Abroad in May. But all in all, my life is great right now. I’m well liked by my peers, and I have emotionally fulfilling and stable relationships. So yeah, life is pretty sweet. It is awesome to truly feel I can be proud of myself.

– Sammy Z, senior at Transylvania University

Starting high school, I was nervous. Add in the fact that I have a learning difference that makes math and writing trickier, and I felt like I was already behind before I even got there. What made The Academy different was the way teachers would pull me aside and work with me until I actually understood the lesson. It wasn’t just “sink or swim”—they made sure I had a life jacket.

The lessons I learned at The Academy have stuck with me. I’ve been at my first job for six years now, and those skills help me every day—not just with understanding my role at the store, but also with connecting to my customers.

Outside of work, I show American Saddlebreds and Morgans. If I’m not at my day job, I’m at the barn teaching kids and adults how to ride, groom, and learn the ropes of a show barn. 

Right now, I’m gearing up for the Morgan World Championships Horse Show! Last year, I didn’t place in my first qualifying class, so I asked my trainers what I could do differently. I worked hard, applied what they said, and came out 9th in the world! Not too bad for someone who once cried over fractions. This year, I get to show a new horse I bought at this very show, and I couldn’t be more excited.

The Academy didn’t just change my high school years—it changed my whole life. Without it, I’d probably still be staring at fractions like they’re written in ancient hieroglyphics.

– Bethany J, World Champion Horse Rider & Riding Instructor

My name is Reagan and I am an Academy Alumni. I was a student from 2016 to 2020, graduating with a high school diploma. The Academy of Louisville is truly one of the most special spaces I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. 

I first found out about them in 8th grade when I was struggling to find a good fit. As someone who suffered from severe anxiety and needed individual attention, I found that The Academy had all the tools to accommodate my struggles. They helped me succeed academically and socially on a multitude of levels. I was able to manage my anxiety and truly soak up all of the knowledge they gave us. 

Five years later I am now working my dream job as a licensed esthetician at a local Louisville business. The Academy gave me the resources to help me find my confidence and become the woman I am today. I truly believe the way they function is something genuinely remarkable and exceptionally helpful for so many students.

– Reagan F, Esthetician

I certainly had an atypical/nontraditional background, and in high school I obviously transferred and dealt with what has now been diagnosed as pretty severe ADHD as well as some health issues. 

I’m currently a senior financial crime investigator/analyst. I currently work for one of the biggest national accounting firms but am often subcontracted to the government for special projects so I get to collab on some pretty cool cases with the FBI/Treasury dept, foreign governments etc. Lots of crypto and transnational terrorist financing cases on my desk currently. Currently deciding if I’m finishing the PhD in criminal justice or pivoting towards the more legal side of financial crime.  And none would be possible without you guys. 

My Academy teachers are some of those formative figures in my life who cross my mind often yet I’ve done a poor job of communicating that and how grateful I am for how much time, energy, and love you poured into me during the most formative part of my life!! 

– Maya M, Academy graduate, class of 2015

I came to The Academy in 6th grade on the autism spectrum and diagnosed with learning differences including dyscalculia and dysgraphia. I stayed until I graduated in 2014.

I moved to Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago as a theater major in part because of the acting I started through The Academy when we went to Walden Theatre. I work full time in another area, but I am still represented by an agent and go to auditions from time to time. 

At The Academy, the staff was very attentive to students’ needs. The small class size helped with attention to people’s needs. The one day off was a plus for neurodivergent students who put their all into their days and I really enjoyed the field trips. 

You’ll also make some friends who might last you for life!

– Sean C, Actor

I’ve been doing super well, and I have you all to thank for that! The Academy was such a wonderful experience and I’m truly thankful for you all!

I went to The Academy of Louisville 10 years ago and still talk about the wonderful experiences I had to this day! I always struggled in school, never getting the proper help I needed and trying to keep up with my classmates and struggling to feel confident in my schoolwork. 

Once I joined The Academy, I got the help I needed since there’s a smaller teacher student ratio. The teachers there were focused on what each student needs and helped me feel confident in school again and out in the world. I grew close to my classmates and created best friends there. 

Since my time at The Academy, I graduated from a dental assisting school.

I had a lot of anxiety growing up but The Academy has helped me feel confident in myself since my time there.     

– Laurel L, Manager

As an ESL student I struggled with English and The Academy teachers were very helpful and flexible. They were very amazing at explaining things when I was confused. The Academy helped me be the woman I am today because when I was struggling, the teachers were there for me. 

One particular thing I remember that was very helpful is writing papers because now in college and getting my masters, that’s all I do. Without my Academy teachers, my papers would not be as strong and I wouldn’t make good grades on them. English does not come easy for me, but my Academy teachers helped me when I had to write papers and that gave me confidence.

 I graduated college with a 4.0 a few years ago. I am in a masters program for  Marriage and Family Counseling.                                                                                                                                         

– Beti B., Marriage and Family Therapist (in progress)

My experience at The Academy was really the most adventurous four years of my life. I made wonderful friends at The Academy. 

I was definitely introduced more into painting due to Kuna, and I still talk about it in college. I actually include some of it on my resume these days.

Going to The Academy really made me more adventurous in the world and really broke me out of being very shy to really enjoying getting into the world. I hope future students at The Academy of Louisville will make so many fun memories. 

Right now I’m in a program at JCTCS  in a program called the CATP (Communication Arts Technology Program.) I major in Advertising Design.

Basically they teach students photography, advertising design, and web design. It’s been very fun. I’ve discovered my style of artwork and am getting into the work flow. I will be starting my practicum soon. It’s a lot of work, but in the end it’s very rewarding.

– Lydia C, JCTCS student

I graduated from The Academy in 2013. I have dyslexia and ADD, and The Academy was the first school that really helped me after attending several schools at the start of high school that didn’t work out. 

I still remember that our teachers would put us into groups where we had to work together to achieve a common goal. I loved when we got to walk to get lunch and then ate outside. I loved the smaller classroom settings and learning real things that I use even today. 

It also made making friends a lot easier since there weren’t many of us, and we were encouraged to blend with everyone. 

– Becky K, Nurse

The hands-on learning, and exciting environment at The Academy were extremely helpful to retain the information I learned. Our teachers allowed us to be active in the conversation about whatever lesson we were on. We were comfortable to make jokes and laugh about whatever question was asked, so everyone felt comfortable participating. Therefore, we had fun and enjoyable discussions while also educating ourselves with our teacher leading and helping us. 

I also found that being able to go outside, and the freedom to move around in the classroom to be more comfortable and relaxed was very helpful. 

I remember loving that we had field trips every month. I also remember LOVING learning about the writing process and having the freedom to express whatever I was feeling or whichever subject I was asked to write about. Off campus lunch was super cool too. Earning that gave me a sense of independence that I wouldn’t have had a chance to experience in another school atmosphere.

After school I have been on a series of experiences and adventures. I traveled the country and got to see so many different places. I went from the rocky parts of Rhode Island all the way to the US territory of the Virgin Islands. I have worked fulfilling jobs where I got to see so many faces and personalities that allowed me to express my imagination and creativity. Now I get the honor of staying at home with my child. I’m planning to homeschool, so I look forward to reeducating myself along with teaching him. I get to experience watching every milestone and every single aspect of his childhood into adulthood. Being a mom is incredibly special and rewarding!

– Nadia, Academy graduate and Mom

My name is Piper, and I started going to The Academy Of Louisville when I was in the 6th grade. I was super nervous at first but then I met Katie and Marcus. They are some of the most caring and welcoming people I’ve ever met. I had a great time at The Academy while I was there, and I still talk to some of my longtime friends I made during my time there. I left after freshman year to go play volleyball at Ballard High School. It was a big transition. However, it made me realize how fortunate I was to have the one on one learning experience I got from The Academy. I graduated this year and I’m going to be attending Aveda Beauty and Sciences Institute in Nashville Tennessee this November. Then I’m going to get my pre med at Belmont University to become a Botox injector. I loved my experience at The Academy Of Louisville and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I would recommend it to everyone looking for a fun learning environment!

– Piper B, student at Aveda Beauty and Sciences Institute