A few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine Joshua confidently chatting with a peer, participating in electives or stepping into new experiences without hesitation. Today, those moments are part of everyday life as he continues building confidence at Quest Kids Academy (QKA).
Finding the Right Fit
Before enrolling at QKA in 2022, Joshua attended public school, where the traditional classroom setting did not fully meet his needs. The funny, outgoing child his mother, Lindsey, knew seemed to have lost his light. When COVID-19 hit, his parents transitioned to homeschooling while searching for a learning environment better suited to support him. They eventually found a specialized school where Joshua felt understood and his personality began to shine again.
As things were finally falling into place, the school unexpectedly announced it would close. Determined to find another setting where he could thrive, the family began exploring new options. When someone recommended QKA, they scheduled a tour and hoped for the best. “It was an adjustment, but the Quest team really knocked it out of the ballpark in regard to figuring out what worked and what didn’t work for Joshua,” Lindsey says. “As time went on, he fell in love with all the staff and his light just started to grow.”
Embracing Change
The next three years were spent in the Early Academics program, where Joshua built the foundational academic and life skills needed for future success. After making strides in self-regulation, emotional control and communication, he transitioned into the Work and Independence Skills Center (WISC) II program. His continued growth eventually earned him a promotion to Work Study I, where students gain exposure to real-world volunteer and employment experiences. To prepare for the transition, Joshua spent the summer building the physical stamina and coping strategies that would support a successful transition.
“When I tell him how proud I am of all he has accomplished, he reminds me that he’s ‘locked in,’” says Kristy Chadwick, an independent living teacher at QKA. “That simple phrase perfectly captures his determination, confidence and the amazing young man he is becoming.”
The growth isn’t limited to the classroom. His mother has seen how the more advanced program is impacting his life at home. Through culinary instruction, Joshua has become more adventurous with food, while experiences at Four Roots and Clean the World have strengthened his time management, organization and ability to complete tasks independently.
Looking Ahead
The future feels very different now than it did four years ago. Opportunities that once felt out of reach are now milestones that reinforce the confidence Joshua’s teachers and family have in his ability to navigate adulthood successfully when the time comes. “It really has been incredible to witness him grow and become more independent,” Lindsey says. “I can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store for him as he learns more at Quest.”
If you’re searching for a specialty school to support your child’s unique needs, learn more about QKA here.
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