Would Lake Forest Academy be a good fit for my child?

Yes!

Myths LFA works with “only severe cases” LFA has slots for all schools, so each can only send a few kids a year Schools should wait until the behavior is unmanageable. LFA gives each student an IEP. LFA is not a public school. Students can “be sent” to LFA as a punishment.

Is a diagnosis required for students to be considered for referral to LFA? Yes, a diagnosis is required; however, this can be done through Coastal Horizons when initial assessment is conducted. It is beneficial to already have a diagnosis prior to making the referral. Do not allow this to be a roadblock for meeting your child’s needs. Talk to a Coastal Horizons Counselor at Lake Forest Academy.

Can students who don’t have major behavior issues still be referred to LFA? Yes, however, it is recommended that all interventions are exhausted prior to making the referral. Students should have at least received interventions at the Tier III level that have demonstrated to be unsuccessful after a minimum of 3-4 weeks of implementation. The criteria to consider is as follows: Are the behaviors impacting academics? How so? Are the behaviors disruptive towards self and others? Does the student show signs of withdrawal from peers or adults?

Will students need to have outside therapy? Students will need to have some form of lower level mental health in place. This may be school-based mental health counseling or intensive in-home therapy. Do not allow this to be a roadblock. If a student has had no lower level mental health care a referral can be made by Coastal Horizons to get services in place. Once services have been in place for 30 days, a follow up assessment can be done to determine if they student’s behaviors have improved or if the referral to Lake Forest should move forward. 

Can students be referred without having an IEP or 504 Plan? Yes, students may be referred without having an IEP or 504 Plan in place. Students MUST have an FBA/BIP in place for at least one month to be considered for referral. Jaime Conti is available to help with this process. She can come to your child’s school and collect ABC data to help formulate an FBA. Functional Behavior Assessment Behavior Intervention Plan Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence data

How long does it take for the referral process to take place? Once a parent and student come in for their scheduled assessment(Part A), it takes approximately 2-3 weeks for the complete referral process.  All referrals must be approved through Trillium(LME/MCO).  This process 2 weeks for a determination.  The remaining week involves finalization of parent meetings, paperwork, and other related authorizations. Coastal Horizons will work closely with the family and school to expedite the process.

Should the school still complete a referral packet when the parent or outside agency is making the referral? Yes, the school is still required to complete a referral packet even when someone outside of the school system is making the referral. The school provides us with additional information that is pertinent in understanding the needs of the student. Lake Forest staff can help your school complete the referral packet if needed.

Why LFA? Therapeutic environment (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) Intensive Academics- Small Group Instruction Yoga/Mindfulness Music, Art, & Garden Therapy Engaging Technology for Differentiation Parent-School Connections- CFT Meetings- outside/wrap-around supports

Current Availability and Options Call to make an appointment to learn if LFA is right for you and your child. Come take a tour or meet with staff M-F after 2pm! Lake Forest Academy Principal: Dr. Laura Jennings (910) 772-2515

Thank you!