Pitt Academy - Louisville Kentucky
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Pitt Academy 2004
Neighborhood Schools THE COURIER-JOURNAL
MONDAY, JANUARY 6,2003
EDITOR: Veda Morgan
EMAIL: vmorgan@courier-journal.com
Phone: 582-4167/FAX:5827080
Pitt Academy pairs special-needs students, jobs
School offers real-world education
By MISSY BAXTER
Special to The Courier-Journal

When his classmates and teachers at Pitt Academy first heard Chris Kenealy play the piano, they were shocked that his repertoire included countless classical songs played to perfection.

"Although he is autistic, Chris is amazingly talented," said Orilla Baker, a retired Jefferson County Public Schools teacher who has taught at Pitt Academy on Poplar Level Road for nine years. "We decided he should share his talents with others."

So, twice a week during lunchtime, Chris, a Pitt Academy senior, plays the piano to entertain senior citizens at Share Care, a facility that provides daytime activities for adults. His visits are part of Pitt Academy's school-to-work program, which matches students who have special needs with local businesses.

CHRIS IS among about 30 students who participate in the program at Pitt Academy. Along with working in the school's cafeteria and assisting teachers and staff members, students in the program also work at such places as Pet's Palace, Save-A-Lot, Dare to Care and Drexler's Auto Service.

"The businesses work very well with us to match the students skills to an appropriate job," Baker said. "This is great experience for these kids."

Pitt, an independent Catholic school founded in 1949, serves students with learning difficulties in a non-graded setting that covers elementary and secondary levels.

The school emphasizes a hands-on approach, and the curriculum includes reading, math, language arts, science, social studies, technology, art and religion. About 45 students are enrolled this year.

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or check www.pitt.com.
"We have very special students who have a lot of talent and energy to share," said Tom Jones, the school's principal. "We have kids with central nervous system disorders, neurological problems, attention deficit disorder and other diagnoses that require extra help to learn. In many cases, we are an alternative for kids who have been in other systems that just didn't work."

Although many students face an array of challenges, Jones said, the school-to-work program is one of the many ways that Pitt Academy helps them get involved in the community. Matt Stiles, 14, of St. Matthews, said participating in the program has helped him expand his horizons, make friends and develop important skills.

"Right now, I help with things here at school, but next year I will be able to get a job through the program," Matt said. "I think it's a very good way to get work experience." Students and parents say the school works wonders in preparing students for independent living. "This school does so much to help students develop strong self-esteem and to get ready for 'the real world' of adulthood," said parent Nancy Ottersbach, whose 21-year-old son, Ben, graduated from Pitt Academy in 2000.


Pitt Academy students Chris Kenealy, left, and Paul Murdock worked on assignments in the school's computer lab. Chris, who is autistic, plays piano twice a week for senior citizens through a work program.


Harriet Blankenship worked with student Jeffery Fuller in her Pitt Academy class. Pitt serves students with learning difficulties.


Devonna Marble read over Karl Wehrley's work. The school emphasizes hands-on learning. Photos by jamie rhodes, special to the courier-journal
"Thanks to the teachers at this school, Ben has a very fulfilling life Ottersbach said. "He's got a job and knows how to take care of himself. As a mother, that's wonderful to know."

MANY OF Pitt's students require extensive speech and language training, which are offered at the school. "We try to keep our focus on meeting the students' needs," Jones said. "Our teachers have time for tutoring and one-on-one assistance that aren't available at many schools.... Many of them are retired from public schools, but they chose to work here because they want to make a difference."

Emily Payne, 17, of Beuchel, enrolled at Pitt last year. "It's easier to learn here because you get more one-on-one attention, but they don't sugarcoat everything," Emily said. "The students work hard, and we have good teachers."

If a student is two or three years behind in a grade level, Jones said, Pitt Academy often can help bridge that gap.

"We don't just socially promote kids, which is the general trend in education," he said. "We work at the pace of the student, at the level they can understand. We work on basic skills, and they move forward at their own pace."

Tuition at Pitt Academy is $5,350 a year, but some students receive scholarship assistance. The school receives money for some special programs through the WHAS Crusade for Children and from other charitable donations.

When Monsignor Felix Newton Pitt opened the school, it was the first facility in Louisville designed for developmentally disabled students. "We still consider this a very special place for special kids," Jones said.

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