Business Details
40 Years
experience
Avalon School | Nurturing Success in Orlando
Avalon School has been dedicated to providing specialized education since 1986. Our mission focuses on creating a nurturing, success-oriented learning environment for students with diverse needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, and those who struggle in traditional public school settings. We offer tailored academic programs, therapeutic services, and extracurricular activities designed to maximize each student's potential. Our team of experienced educators employs research-based techniques influenced by leaders in educational psychology, emphasizing small class sizes, individualized instruction, and emotional intelligence.With decades of combined experience, our leadership team has developed innovative approaches to success-oriented education that address both academic and personal development. We maintain a strong commitment to fostering a supportive community where students build confidence, develop life skills, and prepare for future success in higher education, technical trades, or the workforce.
Services
Special Education
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Aftercare Program
Physical Therapy
STEM Learning
Sports Programs
Music Classes
Art Theater
Field Trips
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of experience in specialized education programs
- Our 11:1 student-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention
- We provide comprehensive therapeutic services including speech and occupational therapy
- Our curriculum integrates research-based techniques from educational psychology leaders
- We maintain a bully-free environment with strong community values
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated teachers
Transformative impact
Strong community
Character development
Services
Special Education Programs
Avalon School provides specialized education programs tailored to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, and those who struggle in traditional public school settings. Our research-based approach emphasizes small class sizes, ability-level instruction, and emotional intelligence development. With a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, we create personalized learning plans that address each student's unique challenges and strengths.
Therapeutic Services
We offer comprehensive therapeutic services including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Our expert team works directly with students to address communication challenges, motor skills development, and sensory integration needs. These services are integrated into daily learning activities to support academic success and personal growth in a nurturing environment.
Aftercare Program
Our structured aftercare program operates daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing quality care in a creative environment. Certified teachers supervise homework assistance, enrichment activities, and supervised play. The program emphasizes continued learning through structured activities while maintaining a balance with recreational opportunities for students in all grade levels.
Athletics Programs
Avalon School offers competitive athletics including basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading at JV and Varsity levels, plus intramural sports. Our programs teach leadership, teamwork, and resilience through participation in travel teams and local competitions. The curriculum emphasizes cross-training benefits and lifelong fitness while fostering school spirit and community engagement.
STEM Learning
Our STEM program integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences. Students complete science projects throughout the year, including annual science fairs and classroom experiments. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications while preparing students for technical careers and college-level science programs.
People
Dr. Robert Shafer
Director/Founder
With 39 years in education, Dr. Shafer holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and has developed Avalon's success-oriented curriculum. He has authored multiple books about the school's educational approach and specializes in reading achievement and success-oriented instruction.
Katherine Shafer
Assistant Director
With 38 years in private education, Katherine designed Avalon's reading program and conducts staff professional development. She holds a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction and specializes in implementing the Units of Study in Reading and Writing workshop format.
Thomas Shafer
Assistant Principal
Serving as assistant principal for four years and teacher for eight, Thomas leads Avalon's athletic programs. He manages sports teams and coordinates intramural activities while maintaining classroom teaching responsibilities.
Questions
What makes Avalon School unique?
Avalon provides specialized education with small class sizes, individualized instruction, and therapeutic support services for students with diverse learning needs.
What grade levels do you serve?
We serve students from elementary through high school levels with age-appropriate academic and extracurricular programs.
Do you accept scholarship programs?
Yes, we accept FTC, FES UA, FES EO, and PEP scholarships to support student enrollment.
What therapeutic services are available?
We offer speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as part of our comprehensive support services.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
Avalon provides sports teams, arts programs, clubs, and aftercare activities that promote socialization and skill development.
How do you support student transitions after graduation?
Our program prepares students for technical trades, two-year college programs, or direct workforce entry with career planning support.