Spectrum Academy – North Salt Lake, Utah
For Immediate Release
STUDENTS WITH AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROME LOOKING FORWARD TO
HIGH SCHOOL
SPECTRUM ACADEMY BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION
Public invited December 4th for the Ground Breaking Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.
North Salt Lake, UT - Spectrum Academy Charter School will be breaking ground on a twostory
32,300 square-foot building for grades 9-12. Spectrum Academy is the only public
charter school in Utah that addresses the educational and social needs of students with High-
Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Our current enrollment is 150 students.
Spectrum Academy was founded by a group of parents in 2006 wanting a better educational
environment for their students struggling with developmental delays. The school uses the state
standard curriculum, but integrates a social skills curriculum as part of the daily lesson plans.
As part of the daily structure, students also work closely with on-site licensed speech and
occupational therapists to assist with specialized sensory and social needs.
Sahara Inc and Giza Development will be constructing the building which will sit north of the
existing K-8 school. And in keeping with their support for the Autism community, Sahara
Cares Foundation has also partnered with Spectrum Academy to help make this project a
success. The new facility will accommodate an additional 300 students, with future plans for
vocational training. Construction is planned to be complete for the 2010 school year.
”Our new high school will open many doors of opportunity for students academically, socially,
and vocationally during their high school experience and beyond,” comments Principal Jaime
Christensen, Ed.D.
Spectrum Academy will lease the building while generating the funding needed to purchase the
building and furnishings. The approximated $5.5 million capital campaign is in the beginning
stages with the anticipation of support from local corporations, philanthropic groups and grant
opportunities.
December 2, 2009
Contact: Monica Owen, Development Director
Ph: 801-936-0318
Fax: 801-936-0568
Email: mowen@spectrumcharter.org
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