Business Details
19 Years
experience
Empowering Neurodiverse Students in Atlanta
Cumberland Academy was founded in 2007 by Debbi Scarborough to address the unique educational needs of neurodiverse students with ASD, ADHD, and learning differences. Our mission centers on empowering students through a balanced approach that combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with targeted social skills development in a structured, supportive environment. With small class sizes and individualized instruction, we prioritize both academic excellence and personal growth, ensuring students build confidence, independence, and essential life skills.Our faculty, trained in special education, employs differentiated teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles while fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. Accredited by COGNIA/GISA and GAC, we maintain high educational standards while offering extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, and community service. Over 17 years, we have cultivated a nurturing community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for success in higher education, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
Services
Lower School Program
Middle School Program
High School Program
College Prep Curriculum
Social Skills Development
Before & After School Care
Athletics Programs
Cumberland Cares Community Service
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized learning with a 5:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Our faculty holds special education certifications and advanced degrees.
- We provide college prep curriculum with life skills integration.
- We offer 17+ sports and clubs with no-cut participation policies.
- Our graduates have 100% college acceptance and career readiness.
Associations and certifications
- COGNIA
- GISA
- GAC
What people say
Teachers are engaged and caring
Thriving in nurturing environment
Improved confidence and independence
Excellent social skills development
College and career preparation
Services
Lower School Program
Our Lower School Program (grades 3-5) provides foundational academics with individualized instruction for neurodiverse students. Small class sizes allow teachers to implement differentiated learning strategies while integrating social skills development. Students engage in hands-on, collaborative activities that build academic proficiency and interpersonal communication skills.
Middle School Program
The Middle School Program (grades 6-8) combines Georgia Performance Standards with specialized support for students with ASD and ADHD. Our curriculum emphasizes executive functioning skills, organizational strategies, and peer collaboration while maintaining rigorous academic expectations through ability grouping and personalized learning plans.
High School Program
Our High School Program (grades 9-12) offers college preparatory curriculum with life skills integration for neurodiverse learners. Students receive individualized academic support while developing independent study habits, career readiness skills, and social competencies through structured extracurricular activities and community engagement opportunities.
Social Skills Development
Our Social Pragmatic Program addresses social communication challenges through structured instruction and real-world practice. Students learn to interpret social cues, develop conversational skills, and build peer relationships through guided interactions integrated across all grade levels and extracurricular activities.
Athletics Programs
We offer 17+ sports across three seasons with a no-cut policy, including cross country, basketball, bowling, and track & field. Our athletic programs emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth while competing in APAC and AAC divisions, with multiple championship titles since 2020.
People
Debbi Scarborough
Founder
Debbi Scarborough founded Cumberland Academy in 2007 after recognizing the need for specialized education for her son with Asperger's Syndrome. With over 17 years of leadership experience in special education, she has developed a comprehensive program serving neurodiverse students across Georgia.
Matthew Scarborough
Co-Founder
Matthew Scarborough co-founded Cumberland Academy alongside his wife Debbi. As a parent advocate for neurodiverse education, he has contributed to developing the school's structured environment that balances academic rigor with social skills development for students with ASD and ADHD.
Questions
What makes Cumberland Academy unique for neurodiverse students?
We combine college-preparatory academics with specialized social skills instruction in small classes led by special education-certified teachers.
What grade levels does Cumberland Academy serve?
We serve students in grades 3 through 12, with specialized programs for lower, middle, and upper school divisions.
Is Cumberland Academy accredited?
Yes, we are fully accredited by COGNIA, GISA, and GAC, meeting rigorous educational standards for special needs education.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer 17+ sports teams, community service programs, and clubs with no-cut policies to ensure all students can participate.
How does Cumberland support college and career readiness?
Our high school program includes college preparation, career exploration, and transition support with 100% college acceptance for graduates.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
We maintain a 5:1 student-teacher ratio with ability grouping and individualized instruction for all learners.
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