The Academy of Spectrum Diversity
How One Family’s Vision Became a Beacon for Special Needs Education
By Susan Slater
April of 2017, Chris and TammyDester founded the Academy of Spectrum Diversity to educate their autistic son after unsuccessful tries at other schools. It was an act of faith and courage. With a handful of studentsand a motto— “Remove Every Limit, Remove Every Label”—they opened their doors, risk immense and reward, greater still.
ASD’s Christian foundation is its heartbeat. The day starts with prayer. Academicsare paired with individualized instruction. Social and behavioral growth is nurtured alongside spiritual formation.
Removethe child’s limitsand focuson their strengths, not deficits. Here is a place where children with autism, and other learning differences were not only accepted, but celebrated. Enrollment doubled within two years with full enrollment to date and 450 children on a waiting list.
Class sizes are intentionally small, with a 1:5 staff-to-student ratio, a standard that attracts passionate educators and ensures personalized attention.
The Academy’s growth is also fueled by the generosity of local churches, businesses, organizations and community partnerships. Donors support the school, making it possible for families with limited means to access life-changing education.
Step up for Students and Community Hero Scholarships funds assist the student and parents’ needs. Operating a private special needs school is not without obstacles. Tuition covers only a portion of costs; fundraising is a constant necessity. Hurricane Milton severely damaged the campus. No money from the insurance company and denial in a Pasco Hurricane fund caused delays and unexpected expenses that tested Dester’s resolve. And the school’s finances.
ASD was closed for one month after the hurricane. The staff re-enacted COVID procedures like virtual classrooms which could cause setbacks for the children. “When we got the green light to reopen the school,” said Dester, Executive Director, Co-Founder. “The kids jumped for joy.”
The school is closely aligned with Pasco County Parks and Recreations, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Foundation of Caring, Advent Health and Senator Danny Burgess who has helped a lot.
At the heart of the Academy’s success thereare differentiated class plans, individualized for a classroom of tenwith very different children.Small class sizes enable real-time adjustments and academic skills linked to life skills—preparing students for academic and independent lives.
Positive reinforcements are rewarded with Academy Bucks. “I might walk by a kiddo and give him $20 because he said, ‘Thank You.’ earning $500 buys a pass to skip a homework assignment, play music, or draw. This reinforces positive behavior.
“We have children doing calculus, but can’t count change, students dually enrolled with Pasco Hernando State College and one studentdually enrolled since the eighth grade who will graduate with a degree. Graduates have secured employment, gone to trade schools, or off to college.
ASD is a family affair.“I want to see what the next generations of Desters do with this,” said Dester. “Not only with what I have done here with Tammy, but what they can do.”
Their daughter-in-law has a master’s degree in special needs education; the oldest son,is a behavioral technician and runs summer camps through Pasco Parks and Recreations. AndNicholas, the reason for this school is now Secretary Board and advocate for CARD -Center for Autism and Related Disorders at USF as well as an advocate.
Nicholasis a testament to what ASD can accomplish. He studied Robotics at USF, went for his pilot’s license, is taking a HVAC course at Bahr’s and works at Lowe’s. Nicholas is looking forward to theupcoming CARD conference in his new role on the board. He isalso dating!
“If everyone had autism,” said Nicholas, “The world would be a better place.”
For donations, checks can be sent to: Academy of Spectrum Diversity, 5320 1st St, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 Made out to: Academy of Spectrum Diversity
