A new school in Port Charlotte is bringing hope to families of children with special needs.
With limited options in the area, one mother is creating a space where students can academically and socially thrive.
Kelly Passanisi, a local mother, is launching Laurel Wreath Academy, a nonprofit school for children with special needs.
Passanisi knows firsthand the challenges of raising children with special needs and the lack of schools equipped to meet them.
“I adopted Emma and Bella from the foster care system when they were two years old,” said Passanisi. “They’re now eight and nine, and they have special needs.”
The school, which will open in August 2025, will blend Montessori methods with classical education for students with autism, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, and other developmental challenges.
“It’s not going to be in, you know, a one-size-fits-all model,” said Passanisi. “Just meeting with the families and seeing if it’s going to be a good fit and make sure that we have the supports in place as well to support the child.”
With public schools overwhelmed and few private options available, Passanisi realized no one else was stepping up, so she did.
“I’ve been waiting for someone to start this school,” said Passanisi. “And I guess I kind of got to a point where I realized that I might have to be the one to get it started.”
Passanisi calls for parents interested in enrolling their children to apply and commit to the school.
“We need parents who are interested in applying and enrolling and have that commitment,” said Passanisi. “And in return, we have the commitment to them to create an amazing educational experience.”
Her vision extends beyond education, emphasizing belonging.
“We’ll be friends, have friends,” said Bella Passanisi. “New friends. And we can know each other.”
Passanisi is also seeking community partners to support the school financially as a nonprofit organization. For more information, you can visit their website here.
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