Great Hearts schools are public charter schools that provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, learning differences and limited English proficiency. Those who are currently eligible or are determined eligible to receive services will be supported by one of the programs below.

Exceptional Education

Our academies employ an inclusion-based model, which maximizes our students’ access to the classical liberal arts curriculum with full support from classroom teachers, who actively collaborate with the special education teacher. Our philosophy informs and guides our mission, which is to enable all our students’ access to an environment that offers support for their Individual Educational Plan (IEP) while maintaining the challenge and rigor of our curriculum.

We strive to create an integrated community that respects and appreciates every individual’s contribution to our pursuit of truth, beauty and goodness. We will strive to help every student achieve his or her greatest potential as a learner, and our liberal arts model is designed to meet the educational needs of every student.

Related services include, but are not limited to:

  • Speech and Language services
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • School based counseling
  • Consultation with an auditory specialist

For more information, please e-mail Exceptional Student Services Coordinator:

Lower School (K-5th Grade) Tara Lowry- Tara.Lowry@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

Lower School Exceptional Special Student Services Clerk:

Savannah Arismendi- Savannah.Arismendi@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

Upper School (6-10th Grade) Theresa Butler- Theresa.Butler@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

View Texas Transition and Employment Guide here.
Review our procedural safeguards for IEP meetings here.
Learn about our regional service center here that supports districts, schools, teachers, parents, private educational providers, etc.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights statute designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to assure that they have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students. If you suspect your scholar has a disability or would like more information about Section 504 plans, please e-mail our coordinators.

Lower School (K-5th Grade) Jacqueline Melgoza- Jacqueline.Melgoza@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

Upper School (6-10th Grade) Laura Jackson- Laura.Jackson@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

MTSS (formerly known as RTI)

Multi-tiered System of Supports (formerly known as Response to Intervention) is a multi-tiered framework that helps our teachers identify and support students struggling academically, behaviorally and/or emotionally. MTSS takes a proactive approach with students who need additional supports and uses scientifically supported interventions to help them catch up with their peers. If you suspect your student has a need for more support or would like more information about MTSS, please e-mail our coordinators.

Lower School (K-5th Grade) Jacqueline Melgoza- Jacqueline.Melgoza@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

Upper School (6-10th Grade) Laura Jackson- Laura.Jackson@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org

English Language Learners (ELL)

Great Hearts Live Oak offers English Language Learners (ELL) services at all grade levels for English language learners who are limited in their English proficiency. The program is designed to assist students identified as having limited English proficiency with development in language – listening, speaking, reading and writing. The goal of the ELL program is to provide additional language support to students, enabling them to become academically successful in all classes. Students are assessed with state-approved Oral Language Proficiency and Norm-Referenced Tests to qualify for placement in the program. If test results indicate a need for support, the student (with parent approval) is admitted to the program and provided additional English language support. For more information about the program, please e-mail our ELL Coordinator at Edith.Young@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org