Great Lakes Academy is a non-profit private K - 12 school located in Plano, Texas which was specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students, diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, AD/HD and/or other learning differences. The mission of Great Lakes Academy is to provide a positive and nurturing academic environment for students diagnosed with a variety of learning differences, including ADHD, and ASD. We are dedicated to teaching our students, using a battery of resources to combat antisocial behavior so that they may flourish both academically and socially. We firmly believe that when learning different students are provided an environment such as ours, the issues of low self-esteem and subsequent anger and frustration can be avoided. Many schools/educators have a tendency to underestimate the potential of students diagnosed with learning differences, and lower their curriculum standards. We believe the opposite to be true. For example often children with ADHD need a more enriched, fast-paced, multi-sensory curriculum to maintain their interest and attention. We offer all of our students the opportunity to harness the potential we know they have. We provide a low student/teacher ratio, (classes no larger than 10 -12 students) individualized attention, self-contained classrooms, a nurturing environment, social skills classes and an understanding and well trained staff. We afford each student the opportunity to develop an appreciation of their own uniqueness, as well as a sense of accountability and responsibility for their academic experience. Our goal is to be able to offer our services to additional children through individual grants and scholarships based on proven financial need. WHY THERE IS A NEED..... Children diagnosed ADHD are at high risk of developing antisocial behavior. 23% to 45% of these children have juvenile convictions. Often ADHD children experience high rates of suspension and expulsion from school. 50% to 80% of ADHD children experience significant peer problems and social failure. Because school should be a place for all children, regardless of disability/disorders, to learn the skills necessary to survive and prosper in today's competitive society.