Support Meredith's Vision for Unique Learning

Dear Tallahassee Community, Family and Friends:

I send you this letter in a spirit of humble obedience to a calling that, in all honesty, also feels ambitious and perhaps a bit intimidating.

After years of watching my youngest daughter Elizabeth in traditional classrooms, I came to the realization she would require a unique academic approach to reach her full potential. Even with a full-time aide and a bevy of adoring, Christian teachers, I could see this wasn’t the most beneficial setting to meet her varied learning needs.

Elizabeth’s story is unique to her, but there’s a plethora of vulnerable students with their own unique stories to tell. For years, parents have vocalized that the school their child needs, or the one they desired, simply didn’t exist. I witnessed their struggles, tears, and frustration; the constant sadness of trying to put a square peg in a round hole. I continued to contemplate a solution to remedy this growing need in our community without having to start this non-existent school myself. As time passed, the answer became clear and undeniable.

After years of gathering information, praying, and searching for solutions outside myself, I have decided to step out in faith and create what doesn’t exist: a faith-based private school fully devoted to children with unique learning challenges. A school that will lift students to their full God-given potential and provide hope to families seeking answers to their child’s unique educational and social/emotional requirements.

AcadeMe! students will benefit from a small classroom setting led by teachers, including myself, who are experienced in teaching these students that all too often get mislabeled, unfairly disciplined, or simply left behind.

We will use the proven MobyMax curriculum but will also emphasize social and emotional learning – teaching students life skills that equip them to navigate the world and be a blessing to others. This is borne from my desire and my heart for children to know they are seen and loved. They cannot learn until they know and feel that.

The time is now to take this walk of faith for Elizabeth and for many others like her who need this opportunity. But, I cannot do it alone, and that’s why I am reaching out.

We have leased a small campus centrally located at the corner of Mahan Drive and Blairstone Road where we will have roughly 2,500 square feet of classroom space and two large playgrounds. We will accept Step Up for Students scholarships, but these funds do not come back to participating schools until mid to late fall – weeks or months after the new school year kicks off.

My request is for contributions totaling $57,000. These funds will be used in the coming weeks for necessary classroom renovations, playground equipment, and curricular development. There are three ways you can help:

Of course, beyond necessary resources, I am also requesting your prayers. His Word tells us that His mercies are new every day and His compassions never fail. I hope you will join me in praying for His provision over this new chapter.

If you know me, you know that asking for help is far outside my comfort zone. But I am setting that discomfort aside, for my greater desire: that any child who is vulnerable can learn in a setting that makes sure they are protected, seen, and loved.

Thank you for partnering with me to serve the children in our community. I wait in expectation to see what the Lord will do!

Warmly,

Meredith Carroll

www.AcademeTLH.com/giving

AcadeMe! Is a registered non-profit 501(c)3.