Solly School

Designed as a highly specialized area of education that provides to children with exceptionalities the same opportunities as other children for a meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling life and develops the student as a skillful, free and purposeful person, able to plan and manage his or her own life and to reach his or her potential as an individual and as a member of society. (CEC, 2019)

Solly Rodan — The Solly School is named for Solomon "Solly" James Rodan, pictured above.

The Lipscomb Academy Special Needs Program provides a unique opportunity for students with special needs to receive an exceptional education in an inclusive, integrated Christian community. This program is driven by the school’s mission to “equip students to love to learn, learn to love and live to serve,” while keeping in mind that each person is uniquely shaped by God. This is consistent with Lipscomb Academy’s commitment for 130 years to develop the mind, body and spirit of all students regardless of their academic profile.

The goal for students in the special needs program will be similar to all students at Lipscomb Academy: to achieve their academic, social and emotional potential and to serve the Lord. Created as an integrated program, students in this program will be included in the regular student body as is individually appropriate. An inclusive approach encourages all students to reach their potential and to live and succeed in a diverse environment. Each student will be provided with the level of instructional support necessary by the best educators with expertise in the area of special education. Students with special needs at Lipscomb Academy will be challenged to learn and grow socially, emotionally and academically.

Beyond academic expectations and classroom instruction, our students with special needs will be part of our spiritual formation program. Through Bible, chapel and other activities, all students grow in their love for the Lord and experience the joy and peace that comes through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Students also will be able to participate in other extracurricular activities as appropriate.

The Solly School opened its doors to a soft year with one student during the 2019-20 school year with the 2020-21 academic year as the official opening. The 5,400 square feet of space features an activity room for physical therapy filled with tailored equipment that meets the needs of the students, ceiling lifts, bath and shower facilities, a sensory room, conference rooms and flex spaces that will be used for occupational therapy, speech and other pertinent supports. Lipscomb Academy is the first and only private school in the Nashville area to offer all three therapies on location.

Admissions

High Hopes Development Center

Beginning in August 2021, Lipscomb Academy and High Hopes Development Center forge a historic partnership on Lipscomb’s lower school campus to better serve children in need of therapeutic services. Physically located in the heart of Lipscomb’s Solly School, High Hopes' first-of-its-kind satellite clinic will offer therapeutic services for Lipscomb Academy students as well as outpatients from the surrounding Davidson County community. The High Hopes clinic at the Solly School will replicate the therapy experience of the main campus in Franklin. Children will benefit from large treatment areas, private therapy rooms and a sensory space, all outfitted with developmentally appropriate equipment that makes therapy effective and fun.

Since its establishment 37 years ago, High Hopes has met the needs of children and their families by creating an inclusive preschool and pediatric therapy clinic in one location. By combining both academic and therapeutic necessities, High Hopes is the only organization to incorporate this unique model in Williamson County, a service that will now be available to Lipscomb Academy students and children in Davidson County at Lipscomb’s Solly School.