A Message From the CEO & Founder, Dr. Solandy Forte
In 2025, I was thrilled to launch the opening of Solstice Academy, a pioneering initiative dedicated to supporting children with autism and social-emotional difficulties. Our small, specialized school is designed to meet the unique needs of these children, with the ultimate goal of reintegrating them successfully into their home school community. At Solstice Academy, we are committed to teaching lifelong skills that focus on improving their relationships with peers and family members, while also increasing their participation within the community.
Building on over 20 years of experience serving the autism community, it is an absolute honor to introduce this new chapter under Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting. We recognize the significant needs within our small community and the disparities in education and accessibility to high-quality services. This is precisely why we’ve established a practice that ensures delivery of evidence-based treatment, education, and consultation to all.
Our mission at Solstice is to provide every child with a rich learning experience within a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment. At Solstice Academy, every moment becomes a learning opportunity—not just for our children, but also for their families and our dedicated staff. I am incredibly grateful to bring together children and their families with experts in our field who are passionately committed to achieving the best outcomes for those we serve.
In closing, here’s to Solstice Academy—a place where lifelong connections are forged and futures are empowered.
Mission, Core Beliefs and Vision
Mission Statement
Solstice Academy, in partnership with families and the community, will prepare all students to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters independent living and strong communication skills, empowering each child to reach their full potential and reintegrate successfully into their home school community. Through personalized learning experiences, we will equip our students with the essential tools and lifelong skills necessary to build meaningful relationships, engage actively in their communities, and navigate the world with confidence.
Core Beliefs
Our academic core beliefs are fundamental to the development of lifelong learners who will be successful in our society.
- We believe the teaching and learning process is built on a robust curriculum that focuses on fundamental academic skills that are defined in the Solstice Academy Performance Standards.
- Each student deserves to be challenged at his/her/their highest level in a safe, caring and positive environment.
Our social and personal core beliefs provide the foundation for a positive learning environment and are necessary for the success of the learning process. - We strive to provide a learning environment that promotes the development of social skills and emotional well-being.
- We believe that the education community has a responsibility to respect the individuality of each learner.
- Our community core beliefs support partnerships that foster educational opportunities.
- We believe the involvement and partnership of parents, guardians, students, staff, and community is critical to student success.
- Effective communication and accountability among stakeholders are essential to ensure a healthy learning environment.
Vision
- A curriculum built on sound foundational skills that promote lifelong learning, critical thinking, community involvement and global awareness.
- High standards of achievement for all learners based on vital concepts and skills and the Solstice Academy performance standards.
- Effective, engaging and varied teaching strategies and learning tasks that promote appropriate levels of challenge for each student.
- A learning community that embraces diversity and promotes respect, trust, and self-esteem, and is safe.
- Classrooms in which learning is inspired and celebrated.
- Ongoing and effective communication and interactions between school, home, and the greater community.
- Facilities that are clean, well-maintained and meet the needs of today’s learner.
