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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
NORTH SALT LAKE — Spectrum Academy broke ground on a new facility this week that will be specially designed for students participating in the Functional Skills track.
There are currently 500 students on the waitlist for their North Salt Lake campus, located at 552 N. Cutler Drive.
The new facility allows STARS to increase its offering for students with special needs from 80 to 170 students from kindergarten through age 22.
"Spectrum Academy is the only school in the state and by far the largest charter school in the nation that specializes in working with kids on the autism spectrum," said Brad Nelson, director of finance and school development at Spectrum Academy. "This new facility will have different sensory areas, a larger occupational therapy room, things like that that are more for more intense needs."
Oliver Thelin is an 11th grade student in the STARS program. His family said they have watched him blossom over the years since he started at Spectrum Academy six years ago.
"Oliver was diagnosed when he was about three. He was functionally nonverbal until probably at least third grade," Amelia Thelin, Oliver's mother said. "He has really blossomed here. He is always happy and excited about life!"
Thelin is excited knowing other families will benefit from the new facility.
"I am thrilled! I know parents who have broken down in tears and just cried with delight that you know that they have literally won the lottery," Thelin said.
This will be Spectrum Academy's eighth facility across two campuses in the state.
The facility will open in the fall of 2023. Students will be picked through a lottery system. More information about Spectrum Academy can be found here.
