About US
Our History
For over 60 years, The Allen School has established a lasting reputation for the treatment of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The school opened its doors in 1958 with an initial enrollment of 12 students. Today, The Allen School serves over 70 children from birth through 5 years old, with a variety of needs. The school staff is dedicated to providing the perfect balance of education and inspiration. A combination of early childhood teachers, special education teachers, and teacher assistants work together with physical, speech, and occupational therapists to tailor programs that maximize each child's potential. Our newly renovated school is conveniently located in the historic Hillcrest area of midtown Little Rock.
Our Philosophy
The Allen School is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of children with special needs in a loving atmosphere. Our program is based on the simple belief that children with disabilities are children first and their potential is ours to discover. We help each child to reach their potential by providing opportunities and activities that are tailored for individual skill levels. We believe this is best accomplished when therapies are incorporated into daily activities. At The Allen School, we give a child the chance to say, "Yes, I can!"
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide early intervention to children with special needs so that they may maximize their potential by the time they reach kindergarten.
The Allen School will:
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create and implement an ongoing early intervention plan specifically designed for each child that will ensure appropriate educational placement by the time he or she is kindergarten eligible.
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empower families with tools to be strong advocates for their child with special needs
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offer opportunities for interaction with children who have special needs to promote community awareness.
Click here for our
Meet Our Administrative Staff
Sherrie Ivy, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Skylar's Story
Testimonial
“Skylar was born with a rare birth defect called Schizencephaly, which is a very severe brain abnormality. Skylar was just a few days old and the doctors were informing us of what to expect regarding her development, life expectancy, and the journey that we had ahead. We were fortunate that a close family friend worked at, and recommended, the Allen School to us because she knew that Skylar would need their services. She began attending the Allen School at 6 weeks old. Throughout her five years, Skylar received OT, PT and Speech by some of the best therapist who celebrated her achievements with me no matter how small. As she got older, the differences between Skylar and her peers began to show. The love for her grew from the teachers and especially her classmates. She had a bond with some of the kids that still touches my heart! They never saw her wheelchair or noticed that she couldn’t talk like they could, they just saw Skylar for who she was.
Skylar is now 12 years old and she has not had an easy road since her graduation from the Allen School. I created a bucket list for her and we’ve been living life and celebrating every day making incredible memories. Most recently she published a book with the help of some unbelievable people. She is now a published author to a book called “Sky’s High Dreams”. We are forever grateful for the love and the care that we received at the Allen School and the knowledge and tools that they provided that would help us advocate for our children. The Allen School was our home, the people there felt like family, and without a doubt I knew Skylar was in the best hands possible.”
Lindsey Overman
(Skylar's Mother)
