Great Accomplishments Academy is a private K-12 school, certified by the NC Division of Non-Public Education, dedicated to serving students diagnosed with High Functioning Autism and ADHD.
Great Accomplishments Academy is a great environment for students who need a challenge but do not function well in a mainstream setting. We are a special education school that provides small group instruction to students within the classroom. The student-teacher ratio is 1:5 with a maximum of 10 students per classroom. GAA uses a multi-dimensional educational method that consists of digital learning and interactive activities based on state standards. This approach is aligned with the learning styles of students with High Functioning Autism and ADHD.
The approach consists of: Daily lessons of the core curriculum: Math, Science, Reading, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Computer Technology. Personal education goals that helps student feel more accountable for their success as well as plan for transition.
A built in character education curriculum that focuses on nurturing friendships, building high esteem, anti-bullying, social emotional learning, and positive attitudes. We provide academic support to our students inside and outside of the classroom.
“A child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” – Pablo Casals
Mission Statement
Great Accomplishments Academy will provide exceptional educational programs and instructional time whereby all students are empowered to reach their individual potential, develop adequate coping skills, age appropriate socialization skills, respect and value for themselves and others and to become life-long learners.
Humble Beginnings
Tonya began her journey in education as a teacher’s aide at a school for children with autism and ADHD. Due to her exceptional dedication and love for her students, her supervisor quickly promoted her to a teaching position. However, a series of unfortunate events led to the school’s closure, resulting in many families losing access to a school for their children.
Despite having no plan or money, Tonya stepped up to the plate and founded Great Accomplishments Academy. She relied on knowing a Great Provider and a Great Waymaker, as physical resources were scarce.
Tonya had just began a new relationship with Christ as her mother had not too long ago founded her church Walking in the Word Healing and Deliverance Ministry.
Tonya took her six students and began teaching at her mother’s church building, walking by faith. God connected her with the right people, including the father of a doctor who worked with some of her students. He told her that relocating the school to Wilson would lead to prosperity.
The issue was that a building in Wilson would mean rent, which the school could not financially take on. Tonya had to step out on faith once more. With the help of Mr. Doug Mckeever, one of her trusted parents, started searching for a new building. They discovered a church with a huge
ark built for vacation Bible school, which made them realize that the church must have a great love for children.
Mrs. Tonya met with a few leaders at the church and agreed to let Ms. Tonya rent out the building during the weekday through feasible donations. The space would include 4 classrooms although Mrs. Tonya would only need one.
As the years passed, the school’s enrollment increased due to word of mouth or referrals from the trusted doctors. Mrs. Tonya would then invite family members to join her on this faith walk. The school expanded from a single classroom with 6 students and 1 teacher to 7 full classrooms with
7 staff in addition to offering speech therapy and occupational therapy.
GAA’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming countless obstacles, including financial challenges, the pandemic, and fluctuating enrollment. Reflecting on our path, it’s clear that God has guided the school, transforming every adversity into an
opportunity for growth and good.
We share all of this to say…when God gives you a vision He will take care of the provisions. There will be highs and lows and days where you want to give up. However, if you keep trusting in God, He will continue to pour into you. He is a miracle worker, a promise keeper, and a way maker. He will move those mountains in your life if you believe. What he did for Tonya and her staff, he will do for you.
