Delayney first came to AFC as a 13-year-old 7th grader struggling at a public school in Manhattan. Delayney started receiving special education services in 4th grade, and though she had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that detailed her significant needs—she has learning disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety and mood disorders—she received inconsistent instruction and was regressing academically.

AFC found Delayney a new school placement for 8th and 9th grades, one that could provide both specialized academic instruction and a small, nurturing environment to support her socially and emotionally. Delayney made so much progress in this supportive environment that we were able to help her transfer to a larger and less restrictive school for her final three years of high school: Community High School in New Jersey, a private special education school that specializes in serving students just like Delayney. Delayney thrived at Community High School, where she was well-liked by her teachers, made great strides interpersonally, excelled in the arts and music programs, and received the support she needed for her learning and attention needs.

Delayney will be starting college in fall 2014, where she will study psychology! Delayney plans to become a child psychologist so she can one day help students who face challenges similar to her own.