Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PLEASANT GROVE — A new high school dedicated to serving students with autism is now open in Utah County. Spectrum Academy Pleasant Grove expanded its student body to include 10th through 12th graders this school year. Student Karissa Pickett said she is grateful she gets to stay three more years.
"It's really exciting to think that you really are going to be the first graduating class," Pickett said.
This is her third year attending the academy after years in a traditional public school.
"They just like treated me differently, like I couldn't do stuff because like I was in special ed classes. I was like, 'I can do things,'" Pickett said. "Here they are actually like, 'Oh yeah, you can!'"
Principal Liz Banner said Utah has the second highest prevalence for autism in the country. She believes academies like these are needed in the community.
"It gives (families) hope in their child's future," Banner said. "We can look at their strengths and help them through their challenges and we can focus them in different directions."
With small class sizes, the school offers courses that will help many of these students go onto college or join the work force. Something Pickett believes will help giver her the confidence she needs to become a writer.
"They tell you to follow your dreams," Pickett said. "I know can do whatever I want."
For those who want to attend the charter school, parents can enter their children into the lottery system for next school year.
