Header
Home
About Us
NEWS
Contact Us
Teachers
Wish List
employment button
Enrollemnt inquiry button

L.I.F.E. Academy:
Life Skills that change Attitudes and promote independence
!

The Goodwill L.I.F.E Academy is a free, open enrollment public charter school for students with developmental disabilities who are entering grades six through twelve.

L.I.F.E. Academy curriculum is designed to help youth and young adults with developmental disabilities as they begin the transition into post-school life. Our program fulfills the educational needs of Speical Diploma Options 1 or 2 students.

Our school equips our graduates with opportunities for the future, including job training, employment, continuing education, and community participation. Our students receive support, develop friendships, and acquire opportunities for growth.

Any eligible student residing in Lee County may apply.

School/Mailing address: 3365-D Seminole Ave - Fort Myers FL 33916
Phone: (239)334-4434 - Fax:(239)334-4439

Read the story of a mother's wish for her son Danny!


"We have hopes and
dreams for our children to live a
better life than our own.
As the mother
of a child with special needs,
my wishes are no different"


Danny and his mom stroy

My Wish...

My name is Argie Lorenzo and I would like to tell you about my son, Danny, Now 19, Danny is the youngest of my four children. He was born with Down Syndrome, My heart broke. I knew I couldn't look back, but look forward and provide the best care that I could for my son.

It hasn't been easy. Danny had been in and out of hospitals and therapy since he was five weeks old. When it came to education, I tried to mainstream him through public schools. That was very challenging. Danny attended five different schools over the course of eight years, none of which could give my son what he really needed. Danny could barely write his name and say his phone number, and I feared that would be all that he could accomplish.

A friend of mine told me about Goodwill's L.I.F.E. Academy. It has been one of the best decisions I made for Danny. Every day I am amazed at how much he is learning. The Goodwill school enhances and reinforces his pride in himself.

Danny went from barely writing his name to working on excel spreadsheets. He knows his alphabet, his birthday, his phone number, and even how to make change. I can send Danny to the store and feel confident that he knows the money's value. His vocabulary has also improved because Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy encourages him to speak. Danny can now tell me he wants to be a mechanic. And, if a few years I know I'll feel okay about leaving Danny alone in our home.

My wish for my son... is no different from any other parent. I want the best of everything for him. And for my Danny, that means feeling confident, sharing his dreams, and living larger than life!

Thank you Goodwill, for making my child a part of the future and the community and for letting him demonstrate all that potential he has!

Argie Lorenzo


Student Success Stories:

March 2010 - Chris Walker

Summer 2009 - Anthony Acovski