Staci Imel

For nearly forty years, High Hopes Development Center has offered a unique approach to serving children with and without special needs. A non-profit organization based in Franklin, High Hopes is the only inclusive preschool and kindergarten in Williamson County with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic equipped to serve children with various diagnoses. Parents of typically developing children and children with special needs know they receive top-quality educational enrichment, therapeutic care, and loving support. With a reputation for excellence, the Thompson preschool and kindergarten nurtures and educates children ages six weeks to kindergarten. Classroom enrollment consists of 60% students who are typically developing and 40% children who have special needs. The school offers a low pupil-to-teacher ratio and a highly skilled team of educators. Working in tandem, High Hopes on-site Hoover Pediatric Therapy Clinic offers outpatient therapies to children from birth through adulthood. Children work one-on-one with therapists to improve vital life skills and achieve important individualized goals. High Hopes therapists have an average of over 14 years of specialized pediatric experience. In addition, High Hopes facilitates a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team approach. Children can access broad clinic expertise, extensive therapy equipment, a highly-rated inclusive education environment, and daily collaboration with parents and healthcare team members to ensure quality and consistent care. At High Hopes, children learn at a very young age that we are all different and that it’s OK to be different. Our inclusive preschool and therapy clinic benefits all children involved, as it teaches that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and embraces the meaning of true friendship.