February 2019   |   81

What is the mission of SWA?

South Walton Academy’s mission is to 

give every child the tools to be successful by 

providing a broad range of individualized, 

educational, and therapeutic opportunities. 

We have accommodations for children with 

Autism and related learning disabilities as 

well as typically and advanced 

developing children. By 

providing guided instruction 

in the areas of behavior, social 

skills, and communication, our 

goal is to maximize the potential 

of all children. We have licensed 

therapists onsite who work with 

certifi ed teachers as needed to 

help achieve individualized, 

therapeutic curriculums. Our 

low student to teacher ratio 

allows one-on-one instruction 

that every child benefi ts from 

while also giving them the 

opportunity of socialization and 

group work in the classroom. 

What types of therapies 

and interactions are used?

We offer speech, developmental, 

occupational, and behavioral therapy, as 

well as tutoring. We are also very proud to 

provide the iLS Program, Safe and Sound 

protocol, and Integrative Refl ex therapy. 

All are groundbreaking therapies new to 

this area. 

Who is your typical student?

All children ages 0-18. We have 

accommodations in place for gifted 

students, special-needs, as well as neuro-

typical students.

How many students are enrolled, 

and what ages?

45 Students, ages ranging from 3 through 

13 years old are enrolled in our academic 

program. We serve approximately 25 

pediatric therapy clients.  SWA is proud 

to offer other programs open to the public, 

such as Playgroups, Aftercare, and Summer 

Programs. We also offer extra-curricular 

activities on campus like Girls Scouts, Vocal 

Pop Academy, and more.

How is SWA funded?

SWA is a private, non-profi t school that 

collects tuition and is highly dependent 

on fundraisers. Our newly added clinic 

accepts most insurance carriers. We accept 

private and state funded scholarships such 

as Gardiner, McKay, Hope, Florida Tax 

Credit, and more.

What type of staff/volunteers exist?

SWA has 14 staff members: 9 Teachers, 3 

Administrators, 2 Therapists, and multiple 

volunteers.

What type of impact has SWA had 

on the local community?

We are the only school of its kind within 

a 3-hour drive on the Emerald Coast. As 

one of the fastest growing counties in the 

United States, the demand for this type of 

alternative learning environment has been 

overwhelming and very much needed here 

in Northwest Florida.

A parent recently reached out to us to share 

with us the personal impact we have had on 

her and her family stating, “I Just want you 

to know how much I love our school. I used 

to dread going to holiday parties at school 

because my daughter didn’t ‘act’ normal. 

It’s so refreshing not having to justify her 

actions or behavior and I know I have a 

village of mom’s with similar kids.”

We have grown by 300 percent in the 2nd 

full year of operation, and have outgrown 

our building. We have our 

Dream Big Capital Campaign, 

in which we hope to fundraise 

to build a new school.                    

What is the most 

rewarding part of the 

job?

Celebrating children as they 

reach unexpected milestones 

like listening to a non-verbal 

child speak, or watching a 

student surpass their grade level 

and master skills well above 

their expected grade level. 

Are there any upcoming 

events?

We are proud to be the newest benefi ciary 

selected by the Hannah Martin Party 

foundation and 5th Annual La Lumière: 

Party of the Gods. The weekend will kick off 

with a newly added VIP dinner on Friday, 

February 8 at the Hilton Sandestin. The 

weekend’s main event, La Lumière: Party 

of the Gods, will be an evening of other 

worldly decadence on Saturday, February 9. 

The weekend festivities will culminate with 

a “Morning on Mt. Olympus Champagne 

Brunch” on Sunday, February 10 where 

guests can regroup, refuel, rehash, and 

refresh in the Coastal Ballroom. 

How can someone become 

involved?

People can volunteer, donate, or learn 

more about our non-profi t by contacting us:

850-213-4595 | southwaltonacademy@gmail.com

or visit us online SouthWaltonAcademy.com

Follow on Facebook & Instagram

Interview with Founder, Calley Middlebrooks &

Co-Director, Jennifer Filippone of South Walton Academy

“I Just want you to know how much I love our school. I used to dread going to holiday 

parties at school because my daughter didn’t ‘act’ normal. It’s so refreshing not having 

to justify her actions or behavior and I know I have a village of mom’s with similar kids.”

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