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"These kids are fascinating human beings, with untold potential. I've seen them memorize the credits of a film, recite and write the Russian and Japanese alphabet, recall complicated math equations, and paint beautiful works of art. But they aren't performing at grade level. The gaps in their learning will only continue to increase if they're pushed through a system that has no ability to slow down for them, and spend more time with them when they struggle. It is for students like these that we created Keystone. If they are given an innovative educational experience that can hone in on and nurture their strengths, who knows what they can accomplish? The sky is NOT the limit. Anything is possible when you assume there is greatness in everyone ."
Danielle McLean, Co-founder
Ryan, Danielle, and their children Lukas, Juliette, Jackson, Lincoln, Levi, and Jameson McLean
How Keystone Came To Be...
Our Story
Co-founder of Keystone Danielle McLean never dreamed she'd help start a nonprofit microschool for unique learners. Although equipped with a degree in English Language Arts Education, she did not build a career as a teacher, but rather poured her life into her 6 children, her at-home wellness coaching business, and volunteering for various nonprofit boards in the community. Her neurotypical children had seemed to do well in public middle schools...
But when her twins on the spectrum, Jackson and Lincoln, were transitioning from elementary to middle school, she recognized their need for a more customized learning path that could set them up for success in middle school, high school, and life beyond the classroom.
At a pivotal moment, she connected with Teacher of the Year District Finalists Ryan Sandgren and Jessica Geary, and soon after with SLP and advocate Megan Knowles. She learned that all three of them had for years dreamt of starting their own school to provide a high quality education for this population of learners. Ryan and Jessica had been the keystones of the twins' public education experience for the past 8 years, and Megan was one of the first SLP's to have ever worked with the boys at 3 years old.
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Together, with Danielle's nonprofit knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit, Megan's passionate business background, Ryan's structured teaching strategies, and Jessica's ability to pair whimsy with academics, the four combined their powers to create a unique private school unlike anything the Treasure Coast has ever seen. With the help of two other determined mothers, the first Keystone Education Center nonprofit board was established, and the team would stop at nothing to ensure classroom doors were open by August 2024.
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Meet the Board!
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We're always recruiting high quality educators!
We are interested in hearing from educators year-round.
If you are ready to make a change in your career, you want more flexibility to truly teach students in a permissionless educational environment where you can flex your creativity and impact lives, we want to hear from you!