Differing Abilities & Learning Support
Sunshine State Academy K–12 believes that education is not one-size-fits-all. Some students thrive in traditional academic pathways, while others benefit from accommodations, modifications, alternative pacing, or more individualized educational approaches. We welcome families of students with differing abilities, diagnosed disabilities, or significant learning challenges and work collaboratively to help identify educational pathways that align with each learner’s needs, abilities, and long-term goals.
As a private, parent-directed school, SSA does not provide public special education services, evaluations, therapies, IEP development, or related instructional services. However, we may approve reasonable accommodations, curriculum modifications, or alternative completion pathways when appropriate documentation is provided.
Student Education Plan (SEP)
To request accommodations, modifications, or individualized learning support, families should complete SSA’s Student Education Plan (SEP). This form helps SSA understand the student’s educational needs, learning profile, and requested supports.
Eligibility & Student Support Planning
Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or a disability diagnosed by a qualified medical professional may be eligible for accommodations, curriculum modifications, or alternative educational pathways.
Families requesting support must submit a completed Student Education Plan (SEP) along with supporting documentation that identifies the student’s educational needs. The SEP serves as SSA’s formal record of approved accommodations, modifications, and individualized educational planning.
Eligible disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
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Specific learning disabilities
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Intellectual disabilities
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Emotional or behavioral disabilities
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Hearing impairments
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Visual impairments
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Dual sensory impairments
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Orthopedic impairments
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Other health impairments
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Traumatic brain injury
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Speech or language impairments
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Autism spectrum disorder
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Developmental delays (ages 3–5)
Because every student’s needs are unique, accommodations or modifications may extend beyond the examples listed below when appropriate.
Parents retain primary responsibility for implementing accommodations, modifications, and outside services needed to support their student’s education.
Accommodations & Modifications
Accommodations and modifications are determined individually based on documented student needs and may vary depending on the student’s educational setting, curriculum, and learning goals.
Accommodations provide support while maintaining grade-level expectations whenever appropriate.
Examples may include:
Presentation & Access Supports
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Large print or magnified materials
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Audiobooks, text-to-speech, or speech-to-text tools
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Closed captioning
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Visual cues, highlighted materials, color coding
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Simplified directions
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Graphic organizers
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Vocabulary previews
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Reduced visual distractions
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Assistive technology
Response Supports
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Typing instead of handwriting
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Voice recording or speech-to-text
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Word prediction tools
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Spell check or grammar supports
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Writing templates or editing checklists
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Alternative communication tools
Reading & Learning Supports
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Leveled texts
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Audio-supported reading
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Repeated readings
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Annotation tools
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Reading guides or tracking supports
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Study guides and comprehension supports
Mathematics Supports
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Calculators or adapted math tools
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Manipulatives and visual models
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Gridded paper
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Math fact supports
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Problem-solving organizers
Attention, Organization, & Scheduling Supports
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Reduced distractions
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Small-group or individual learning environments
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Movement breaks
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Visual schedules
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Checklists and planners
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Structured routines
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Extended time
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Frequent breaks
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Flexible pacing
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Adjusted schedules
Curriculum Modifications
When appropriate, curriculum modifications may be approved for students whose documented needs require adjustments beyond standard accommodations.
Modifications may include:
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Reduced assignment quantity
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Simplified academic expectations
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Alternative instructional levels
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Modified grading methods (including S/U grading when appropriate)
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Adjusted course requirements
Because modifications may affect transcript documentation, graduation eligibility, or postsecondary options, these decisions should be made carefully in partnership with SSA administration.
SSA does not require specific curriculum for students with differing learning needs. Families may select the educational resources and programs that best fit their student’s abilities, learning style, and academic goals.
Alternative Completion Pathways
Modified High School Diploma
Students requiring modified coursework may pursue a Modified High School Diploma, which includes credit-bearing coursework, GPA calculation, and individualized graduation planning.
Students in this pathway:
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May remain enrolled through age 22
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Are not eligible for early graduation
Graduation Requirements
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4 English Language Arts credits
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4 Mathematics credits
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3 Science credits
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3 Social Studies credits
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1 Fine Arts, Speech & Debate, or Practical Arts credit
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1 Physical Education credit
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6 Elective credits
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Minimum 22 total credits
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Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Transfer credits may be reviewed for equivalency.
Secondary Education Completion Certificate
Students whose educational goals focus primarily on life skills, functional academics, or individualized developmental progress may pursue a Secondary Education Completion Certificate.
This pathway:
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Is non-credit based
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Uses Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) documentation rather than traditional grades
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Is individualized according to the student’s abilities, needs, and long-term goals
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May include life skills instruction, communication development, functional academics, therapies, and interest-based learning
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May continue through age 22
The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the student’s individualized educational plan.