In a perfect academic world, diagnoses, labels, and IEPs wouldn’t be necessary to have a high-quality education. Public schools would be explicitly designed to provide personalized instruction after getting to know each of their students individually, and determining how to nurture the whole child so they feel successful at school, with friends, and in the world at large.

While that might not be true at public schools, specialized private schools offer a world of opportunity for you and your child. Puzzle Box Academy was founded with this very ideal in mind. While we focus on providing exceptional education for the exceptional learner, we consider ourselves a no-diagnosis school in Florida. We know that the diagnosis doesn’t matter, but heart-centered alternatives to IEP-based programs do.

As an all-inclusive school, we greet prospective students and parents with open arms and absolutely zero judgment. We prove that the highest-quality education is the natural outcome when a school culture is dedicated to unlocking the potential of every single child and allowing them to shine. 

Puzzle Box Academy: An Inclusive Private School in Melbourne, Florida

Yes, some of our students arrive with a diagnosis, or they’re twice exceptional, or we have detailed information about them from previous pediatricians, neurologists, ABA therapists, and so on. However, that’s not necessary.

We also understand that many parents and caregivers aren’t interested in receiving a clinical diagnosis because they know that labels and stigmas can accompany that. Others lack the medical coverage or the finances required to obtain high-quality assessments that lead to an accurate diagnosis.

Nobody understands your child’s story the way you do. So, if you witness your child struggling, and you suspect they require specialized support, that’s all the evidence we need; no diagnosis or label required.

Puzzle Box Academy is an inclusive private school in Melbourne, Florida, with a mission to provide empowering, highly personalized education and support to any student and family who feels this is the right fit for them.

Why Wait? Schedule Your Visit Today

Since we don’t require a specific diagnosis for children to be admitted into our program, we encourage you to schedule a visit with Puzzle Box Academy as soon as possible.

Best Schools For Neurodivergent Students: Criteria & What to Look For

Here are some of the things to look for as you search for a neurodivergent school without diagnosis-centric labels or formal evaluations.

1. No Need For Copious Amounts of Clinical Paperwork

First and foremost, you should be able to enroll your child with the same amount of paperwork as the “average” child in the public school system. Unfortunately, mainstream schools won’t provide specialized education or services unless parents provide all of the paperwork and evidence supporting diagnosis-based labels and boilerplate “solutions.” Nor should they mandate that you have to provide your child with clinical services to facilitate their school day.

Here at Puzzle Box Academy and other inclusive private schools, we think Autism School + No Paperwork = Easier Transitions. We want you, your family, and your child to understand that you are normal (the system is broken). For many of our new parents, it’s the first time that’s happened in a long time.

2. You Can Bid Farewell To Traditional IEPs

Neurodivergent education without diagnosis offers an alternative to IEP-based programs, which is why all that paperwork becomes less relevant. Yes, we want to learn all we can about your child to provide them with the best personalized education for their needs and learning styles, but we don’t need a diagnosis or label to do that.

After speaking with you and completing your child’s enrollment, our highly trained teachers and aides will get to know your child, including their strengths and areas that may need improvement. From there, we’ll create a systematic, ABA-therapy-informed education model that can be modified for use at home as well.

3. Look For Schools That Honor “The Whole Child” Experience

Sadly, public schools have been pressured to focus on academics and test scores, and this doesn’t serve their student population well. By focusing on academic achievement by grade level, the curriculum narrows its scope to only a small aspect of a child’s being, leaving the rest behind.

Puzzle Box Academy focuses on the whole child and their holistic daily life, both at school and at home. We honor a child’s intelligence and match their academic prowess where they’re at, while bolstering areas that may not be as strong or developed. However, we also celebrate everything it means to be a joyful, confident, and resilient human. We support our students’ well-being using:

• Small student: adult classroom ratios, so educators can focus on each child’s unique needs, providing personalized support and tailored instruction.
• Trauma-informed classroom environments that promote comfort and reduce triggering stimulation. 
• Ample time to enjoy all kinds of subjects, including daily PE, Art, and Music.
• Building social skills and friendships that last a lifetime.
• Using positive reinforcement that continuously celebrates and honors all that the child is doing well, so they don’t associate self-worth with academic performance or achievement-based outcomes.
• Educating children where they are so that those who are above their grade level in specific subjects remain challenged and inspired in the classroom.
• Practices, methods, and daily life skills that translate beyond the classroom and into the home.

You want to read, see, and experience that a prospective school is taking care of its students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

4. They Should Offer Ample Parent, Caregiver & Community Support

As we’ve mentioned before, we know that continuity, routine, and predictable expectations and rhythms are essential. And we want our parents and caregivers to feel as competent and empowered to support their children as we do.

That’s why Puzzle Box Academy takes our philosophies outside of the classroom, offering a range of support offerings for your family. 

This includes things like:

• Early intervention opportunities.
• Door-to-door transportation for children 5+ years old.
• Resource building and support networks.
• Regular blog posts offering specific information pertaining to all facets of neurodivergent education, as well as tips and solutions for the home and community.
• Our Purple Couch Podcast, a valuable resource for parents, educators, or anyone wanting to learn more about ASD. It is also a great source of support and encouragement for families raising neurodivergent kiddos.
• Programs like MindMeld: Aspire offer a comprehensive training program that equips educators, caregivers, and administrators with research-backed strategies to support neurodiverse learners. 
• Scholarships and support for families via Bridge to Tomorrow.

Features like these can only be found at schools dedicated to whole-child-focused, neurodivergent education.

Welcome To The Puzzle Box Academy & Community

When your child becomes a student at Puzzle Box Academy, you become part of our community. For us, the word “inclusive” isn’t just a PC buzzword; it’s a foundation of our school culture. Contact Puzzle Box Academy to schedule your tour and learn more about our exceptional programs and the various ways we can support your child and your family. We can’t wait to show you how easy it is to be part of our program- no labels and no diagnosis required. Your child is welcome here!