Ave Maria Preparatory School

Ave Maria Preparatory School is the only 2-12 school specifically for special learning needs in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Hardee Counties.

Ave Maria serves students ages 6 to 22 from Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte and Parrish in the Tampa Bay Area. The school accepts McKay Scholarships.

With new findings showing that one in every 166 children in the United States has autism, the school serves those dealing with the autism spectrum and other special learning needs including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Pervasive Development Delay (PDD), Learning Disabilities (LD) Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, anxiety and bipolar disorders.

Established in 2004 by Sister Gilchrist Cottrill, CE, the school follows the Florida Sunshine Curricula, but delivers it differently. As Sister Gilchrist explains, “We encourage students to use the Disney side of the brain -- the right, artistic, intuitive side.” The experienced teaching staff offers strong remediation programs in reading and mathematics.

“We use programs recommended by the International Dyslexia Association and the Learning Disabilities Association of America,” Sister Gilchrist said.

The school also utilizes therapies through the arts, speech and language, as well as occupational and pet therapy. It provides social-skill education and assists students transitioning to young adulthood education. Some students return to traditional high schools and colleges after attending Ave Maria.

The school has an after-care program and also provides student transportation.

For more information about Ave Maria,
call 941-322-1601 or send us an email.