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Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Student Education Center

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Principal's Message

Kelly Simmons, Principal

Greetings Dorothy Thomas Families! I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Principal of Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center. As I enter my fourth year as Principal at Dorothy Thomas, I am excited about the upcoming school year and continuing to ensure DT is a safe haven of opportunity and growth for all of our students, both academically and socially.  Working in conjunction with faculty, staff, parents/guardians, and community partners ensures we come together with one goal in mind...to support the whole child.  Together, we grow and nurture each individual child.

Kelly Simmons, Principal

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School Highlights

A One-of-a-Kind Facility in Florida

A One-of-a-Kind Facility in Florida

The center is the first of its kind in the state—a modern, model school built specifically for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in grades K–12

Purpose-Built, Therapeutic Learning Environment

Purpose-Built, Therapeutic Learning Environment

Designed to be supportive and safe, the building minimizes auditory and visual distractions, fostering a space where students can thrive both academically and emotionally

Programs

Core Curriculum Coverage

Core Curriculum Coverage

Students receive instruction across all four core curriculum areas—typically including reading, writing, math, and science
Engaging Electives

Engaging Electives

To encourage engagement and growth, the center offers elective courses such as: Family and Consumer Science (e.g., cooking), TV production studio, Music, art, and science lab courses.
Incentive-Based Learning Environment

Incentive-Based Learning Environment

The center employs behavior-based rewards—students earn privileges like time in the TV studio or in the TERP room (a space with game consoles and game tables) for demonstrating positive behavior