Classes are in Session at Villa Maria School in Harford County

September 3, 2009

Principal Rick Frank hangs a welcome banner just before students arrive on September 3.

On September 3rd at 9:30 a.m., Villa Maria School in Harford County opened it's shiny new doors to 30 excited students. The non-public day school provides a comprehensive psychoeducational program for children with severe emotional and/or learning disabilities who need a more intensive program than a traditional school.

"Our goal is to work with these students and return them to their own school as soon as they are ready," says Principal Rick Frank. He is very proud of how hard his staff has worked to prepare for the first day.

Every staff member who works in this school is a teacher, since the children will learn something from everyone. "It takes a special person to be a teacher. It takes an even more exceptional individual with the right mindset, attitude, and skills to work with these children," he says.

The students, ranging in age from five to 14, benefit from a staff/pupil ratio of two to nine. They participate in individual, group and family therapy, speech therapy, support groups, and diagnostic services. Art, music, physical education and computer instruction are also part of the curriculum.

"We're very excited. This is monumental to open a Villa Maria School in Harford County. We'll be around for years to come," says Rick.