Ann Storck Center - Fort Lauderdale

AEF Schools began in 2003, when a group of parents set out to build a better school for children who were not thriving in traditional public or private classrooms. The nonprofit Alternative Education Foundation now runs three campuses in the Davie and Fort Lauderdale area for students of average to above-average intelligence, including students with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities and giftedness. We are not a restrictive program for severe behavioral or emotional challenges. Our admin offices and Lower Campus on SW 61st Avenue serve kindergarten through 7th grade. Primary Learning Center students (K-2) work in ability groups, grades 3 and 4 add art, technology, PE, dance, science and social studies, and middle schoolers continue COGMOTICS, our own lessons in cognitive, life and social skills. The Upper Campus serves grades 8 to 12, where 8th graders audit high school courses before 9th grade and juniors and seniors can dual enroll. Westham Academy keeps groups of 1 to 15 students and writes an individualized education plan for each one. Our diplomas are accredited by Cognia, and we provide transportation within Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

Permission To Succeed Education Center opened in Fort Lauderdale in 2020 as a private microschool for kindergarten through 12th grade, and earned Cognia and ACS WASC accreditation the following year. Our homestyle setting gives each student close attention, and every new student takes diagnostic assessments so we can teach at their true grade level in each subject. Students move ahead once they master a concept, working in Edmentum Exact Path and Edmentum Courseware alongside direct teaching, with the Zaner-Bloser SuperKids program for early readers. Instruction follows Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards. Families can choose in-person, blended or independent study, and we offer course recovery for students who plan to return to public school. Social-emotional lessons, mindfulness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, arts electives and field trips are part of the week. High school students earn a Florida diploma, with SAT and ACT prep, NCAA and Bright Futures course planning, and dual enrollment. Tuition can be paid with FTC, FTC-PEP, FES-EO or FES-UA scholarship funds from either Step Up For Students or the AAA Scholarship Foundation, and families may also pay monthly, quarterly or annually.

The Friendship Circle of Greater Fort Lauderdale stands out as a leading organization dedicated to supporting children with special needs, focusing on fostering meaningful social connections and educational development. Catering to a diverse range of students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges, the school embraces a holistic approach that prioritizes abilities over disabilities. Through an array of innovative programs such as Teen Scene, Culinary Club, and the Young Adult Circle, participants engage in enriching social activities designed to enhance their interpersonal skills while building lasting friendships with dedicated teen volunteers. The Friendship Circle's commitment to creating an inclusive environment is further exemplified by its low student-teacher ratio and strong partnerships with families, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child. This unique blend of academic and social opportunities not only empowers participants but also nurtures a vibrant community where everyone thrives together.