About Us
Mission, Vision, and History
Our Mission
Eton Academy is committed to the education of students who learn differently. We build essential skills and confidence that foster lifelong success.
History
Founded as the Adventure School in 1980, and led by the first Head of
School, Gary W. Pedersen, the school was started as a tutorial for children with learning disabilities who found it difficult to succeed in a traditional school setting.
As community awareness grew, and with it an ever-increasing enrollment, the need for a full-curriculum school became apparent. Spearheaded by Pat Hartmann, founding Board member and led by the second Head of School, Mary van der Tuin, Eton Academy was established from the Adventure School in 1986. In 2003, Pete Pullen was hired as Head of School to continue to drive Eton’s mission to serve all who learn differently.
Through campus expansions in 2003 and again in 2016 and the establishment of the Hartmann-Eton Center for Teaching and Learning, Eton’s commitment to help students build confidence and learning skills continues to grow.
School, Gary W. Pedersen, the school was started as a tutorial for children with learning disabilities who found it difficult to succeed in a traditional school setting.
As community awareness grew, and with it an ever-increasing enrollment, the need for a full-curriculum school became apparent. Spearheaded by Pat Hartmann, founding Board member and led by the second Head of School, Mary van der Tuin, Eton Academy was established from the Adventure School in 1986. In 2003, Pete Pullen was hired as Head of School to continue to drive Eton’s mission to serve all who learn differently.
Through campus expansions in 2003 and again in 2016 and the establishment of the Hartmann-Eton Center for Teaching and Learning, Eton’s commitment to help students build confidence and learning skills continues to grow.
Over the years, Eton...
- Developed the Eton Approach®, an industry-respected, individualized learning system
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Gained major support from foundations, corporations and families earned accreditation with distinction from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS)
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Prepared more than 1,300 different learners to confidently advance to college and their careers.
This year... Eton Academy will serve approximately 220 students building academic skills and self-confidence in an accepting and supportive environment.
Philosophy
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Provide a positive, nurturing environment in classes of no more than 10 students.
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Build academic skills and learning strategies by using multi-sensory and neurodevelopmental approaches in a literacy-focused curriculum.
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Provide personalized instruction by continually evaluating a student's academic, social, and emotional needs.
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Hire compassionate and caring faculty who are committed to educating students with learning challenges and have a commitment to further their teacher education.
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Promote student development by recognizing student strengths, teaching skills that support social success, strengthening academic and school transitions.
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Teach students to self-advocate by identifying their strengths and challenges and understanding their learning styles.
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Provide ongoing parent education and support to promote the partnership between school and home and share Eton's resources with the greater community.
