High Hopes Development Center

For over thirty-one years, High Hopes Development Center has offered a unique approach to serving children with and without special needs and chronic diseases. A non-profit organization based in Franklin, High Hopes is the only inclusive preschool in Williamson County with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic equipped to serve children with a plethora of special needs. Parents of typically-developing children and children with special needs know their child is receiving top quality educational enrichment, therapeutic care, and emotional support. With a reputation for excellence, the Thompson Preschool nurtures and educates children ages six weeks to pre-K5. Preschool enrollment consists of 60% typically-developing students and 40% children with a special need. The preschool offers a low pupil-to-teacher ratio and a highly skilled team of educators, allowing High Hopes students to score in the top 15% in the nationally-normed kindergarten readiness test. Working in tandem, High Hopes’ on-site Hoover Pediatric Therapy Clinic offers outpatient therapies to children birth through age 21. Children work one-on-one with therapists to improve vital life skills and reach goals that reduce the future need for reactive services. High Hopes therapists have an average of over 19 years of specialized pediatric experience. In addition, High Hopes’ facilitates a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team approach. Children have access to broad clinic expertise, extensive therapy equipment, highly-rated inclusive education environment, and daily collaboration with parents and healthcare team members to ensure quality and consistent care. “At High Hopes, children learn at a very young age that we are all different, and that it’s OK to be different,” says Gail Powell, executive director. “Our Inclusive Preschool and therapy clinic is beneficial for all children involved, as it teaches that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and embraces the meaning of true friendship.”