Andrea Mefford fills educational gap with special needs focus
Andrea Mefford, a Cove City native and education veteran, is providing families with an alternative to traditional schooling. Her initiative, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Academy, aims to offer a personalized educational experience, particularly for students with special needs.
Mefford, who has been involved in the Kinston educational ecosystem since her teenage years, holds a background in both education and psychology. With experience ranging from serving as a special education teacher assistant to leading the Exceptional Students program at Bethel, Mefford felt the need for more inclusive educational options.
She said, "Students and families in our community should be able to get the educational support that they need, whether that is through after-school tutoring, being a full-time student, or a homeschool student that just comes to certain classes or participates in a co-op."
The academy operates as a small private school, offering core classes such as science, history, and English Language Arts, along with PE. Students range from 4th grade to 10th grade but the academy can accommodate students from kindergarten through high school. Mefford also provides resource classes for homeschooling families, group and private tutoring options, as well as a homeschool co-op on Fridays focusing on elective courses like art, STEM, and music.
"My main goal with everything just across the board is that every family receives the support that they need educationally," said Mefford. She aims to offer a holistic educational approach, helping parents navigate through public school systems, find the right curricula for homeschooling, and even assist in obtaining services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant.
The academy has grown significantly since its inception. Initially conducting resource classes from her home, the academy now operates in its own building, overcoming challenges like rezoning issues. The official approval to function as a small private school came just a week before Labor Day, giving families an alternative to homeschooling, especially those affected by work schedules and homeschool laws.
For families interested in the academy or its additional services, information can be found on their Facebook page, 'Fearfully, Wonderfully Made,' or by contacting Andrea Mefford directly via email. A dedicated academy page is also in the works.
By offering these specialized services, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Academy aims to fill a critical gap in the educational landscape, providing diverse options for students and parents alike. As Mefford puts it, "My goal is just options for families and them to get what they need, whatever placement that might be."
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