Traditional school was not designed for your child’s brain. Rigid 45-minute periods. Timed tests. Open-plan classrooms with sensory overload. Strict schedules that ignore when your child’s medication is most effective. If your child has ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, sensory processing disorder, or another learning difference, Forest Trail Academy offers an alternative that works with their brain instead of against it.
- No fixed class times — work when medication is at peak effectiveness
- No timed assessments — students submit work when ready, not on a bell
- No open-plan classroom noise — quiet home environment eliminates sensory overload
- Re-watch lesson content as many times as needed — no shame in review
- Break lessons into shorter sessions — 10 minutes of focus is still 10 minutes of learning
- No comparison to peers — progress is self-defined, not relative
ADHD and Medication Timing: For students taking stimulant medication for ADHD, traditional school often forces study during non-optimal hours (early morning, late afternoon). FTA allows scheduling coursework for peak medication hours — typically mid-morning for most students on common ADHD medications.
Dyslexia Accommodations: FTA’s platform allows extended time on all assessments. Students can use approved text-to-speech tools, spell checkers, and other assistive technology. Our asynchronous format removes the humiliation of reading aloud in class.
Important Note: FTA is not a special education provider and does not develop IEPs or 504 plans. Students who need formal special education services should continue receiving those services from their school district or private specialists while using FTA for their core academic curriculum.
Working with Your Child’s Support Team: FTA’s academic counselors can communicate with outside learning specialists, tutors, and educational therapists to coordinate pacing and course selection. Many families combine FTA’s flexible academic structure with specialized outside support for reading or math intervention.
- Does FTA provide IEP or 504 accommodations? FTA is flexible by design but does not issue formal IEP/504 plans — external supports continue from outside providers
- Can my child use a reading accommodation (text-to-speech)? Yes — FTA allows approved assistive technology
- What if my child has good days and bad days? Work on good days, rest on bad days — no attendance requirements
- Does FTA require timed tests? No daily timed tests — proctored final exams have time limits but are standard college-appropriate
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Enroll at Forest Trail Academy Today
Founded in 2007, Forest Trail Academy has served over 10,000 students with a Cognia-accredited K-12 program. Open enrollment year-round. Call 800-890-6269 or submit an inquiry online. Our admissions team is ready to help your family get started immediately.
