School Spotlight: Morning Star School
Every child is special, and those children who learn differently require additional learning modalities that many schools may not be able to meet. Morning Star School has been providing the opportunity for special needs students to realize their potential since 1960.Morning Star School accepts students from 1st through 12th grade. The educational staff is comprised of fully-accredited faculty. Teaching is very individualized with students learning through the Unique Learning Systems (ULS) platform for instruction. ULS is a standards-based curriculum designed for special needs students. Unit plans are designed on three levels of differentiated tasks to meet the needs of students with significant disabilities. Our students are tested frequently to determine their current learning needs and to plan for future lessons. Qualified students can apply for many types of therapy depending on their physical and mental difficulties. On-site therapists offer speech, occupational, physical, behavioral, and music therapy to all students. Both learning and therapy goals are shared with parents and guardians to keep all parties apprised of student progress.Many of our students participate in enrichment activities off campus at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School and Bishop Moore Catholic High School. These activities include physical education, art, pottery, band, and music offered twice a week, and social skills weekly. Depending on their ability levels, students may also partake in mainstreamed classes on Morning Star School’s two sister campuses.The strong tie between Bishop Moore Catholic High School and Morning Star School is evident in our Best Buddies program, which pairs a Morning Star student with a same-age peer for social functions and monthly meetings.Religion is an important aspect of every morning. Our students, along with students from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School and Bishop Moore Catholic High School, celebrate Mass together. Utilizing the Finding God religion program, students are instructed in Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation preparation.Morning Star School understands some students require care beyond high school. We have partnered with local businesses – community centers, supermarkets, restaurants, etc.– to transition adults into a working experience by learning and practicing social skills and interpersonal relationships while learning employer expectations.Adult curriculum for students who have aged out of high school allows students to become more productive members of society through instruction in independent living skills, life skills, social skills, and vocational skills. Preparing for the future is the main goal for our students as they matriculate to become productive members of society.Call Morning Star School today at 407-295-3077 to learn more about our programs and how we can serve your child. Working with the other Catholic schools in Orlando, your child will grow stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually while in the care of our physical therapists, teachers, and clergy.