The founders agreed that The Joy School should be a place of transition and transformation, where students with learning differences would get the help they need and then return to more traditional school settings. They wanted school to be a place where learning was fun rather than frustrating, and kids were celebrated for their progress, rather than penalized for their deficits.

One of Katie's former teachers said, "where there is joy, there is learning." We also knew that the reverse could be true - where there is learning, there is joy - and the name of the school was born.

While students come to The Joy School for help with academic, social, and/or executive function challenges, the most dramatic transformation is seen in the students' sense of self. Students who once described themselves as "stupid" or "just not good at school" return to mainstream schools with improved self-awareness, self-confidence, and most importantly, self-acceptance. Receiving schools repeatedly express admiration of former students' impressive self-advocacy skills. 

Throughout the School's evolution, The Joy School has not only been a haven for students, but a supportive community for all constituents. Families are welcomed by others who understand the unique journey of parenting a child who learns differently. Teachers are supported and empowered to trust their professional judgment to teach students the way they learn best rather than via a one size fits all approach. Other schools turn to The Joy School as a valued resource when they are unable to meet a student's needs in their own environments. 

In short, the school strives to model how school should be, for both children and adults.