Hi everyone,

My name is Matt, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my family. My wife Rhiannon, our daughter Caileigh, and our son Colin. We’re hoping for a little help to send Colin to the school that’s truly right for him, The Concept School in Westtown, PA.

Colin is 15 years old, and he’s such a special kid. He’s incredibly thoughtful, empathetic, and funny. He’s the kind of person who really cares about others, and he’s always been smart beyond his years. But over the last few years, school has been really tough for him, and we’re trying to get him to a place where he can thrive again.

Colin began early intervention at 18 months due to a speech delay, and he’s been working hard ever since. He was diagnosed with ADHD at age 4 and autism at age 7. Initially, he made great strides—his speech improved, and he was able to keep up in school with the support of an IEP. However, as the years went on, larger class sizes and chaotic environments started making it harder for Colin to focus and engage in learning.

In addition to academic challenges, Colin also faced bullying at school. It started with seemingly small things, like classmates stepping on his shoes or bumping into his desk “accidentally.” But the situation escalated when kids began taking food from his lunchbox, splashing him with water, and throwing snow at him. These incidents left Colin feeling powerless and isolated. Despite our efforts to work with the school to resolve these issues, the bullying persisted, making it even harder for Colin to feel safe and comfortable in an environment where he was supposed to be learning and growing. He became withdrawn, and his once-bright spirit dimmed.

Thankfully, Colin found a sense of belonging when he joined Boy Scout Troop 77, a troop specifically for kids and young adults with special needs. Troop 77 became a refuge for Colin, a place where he could be himself and make friends who understood and accepted him. For the first time in a long time, he felt connected to his peers. It was through this amazing group that we learned about The Concept School, which seemed like the perfect fit for Colin. Small classes, personalized learning, and a nurturing environment for kids like him who’ve struggled in traditional settings.

After a tour and a shadow day, Colin was happier after a day of school than we’d seen him in years. He loved the school and finally felt like he found a place where he could thrive.

One of the key reasons we believe The Concept School is the right fit for Colin is the difference in programming. In the DASD school system, Colin had been placed in special programs designed to support his needs, but these programs often required him to be pulled out of core classes, missing important lessons to attend sessions on social skills or executive functioning. At The Concept School, these essential skill-building elements are built directly into every class, allowing Colin to stay in the classroom with his peers while receiving the support he needs. This approach makes all the difference, giving him the chance to grow academically and socially without feeling separated or left out.

However, the tuition for The Concept School is $38,000 per year. After a long negotiation, our school district agreed to cover 60%, but that leaves us with $15,200 to cover on our own. We’re doing everything we can to provide Colin with the education he deserves, but we need help to make this a reality.

We would be so grateful for any support you can offer. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly towards helping Colin stay at The Concept School, where he’s already showing signs of growth, happiness, and confidence we haven’t seen in years.

Thank you for reading Colin’s story and for any help you can provide. Your generosity means the world to us.

With love and gratitude,

Matt, Rhiannon, Colin, and Caileigh

The Concept School

The school offers a different approach to middle and high school learning. The mission of The Concept School is to transform the lives of middle and high school students who learn differently by creating a safe, intimate, educational environment where every student is welcomed, accepted, and becomes their authentic self.To provide successful educational experiences by rigorously crafting individualized learning while supporting students and their families in ways that ensure each student will grow their self-confidence and capacity to transition successfully to life after graduation.

Core Value

Providing a safe environment

Building teacher/student rappor

Fostering teacher/parent communication

Educating the whole child

Reducing stress in learning

Customizing learning plan

Motivating small-group work

Modeling social skills