Thrive Learning Collaborative: Empowering Potential Through Individualized Education

Introduction

Thrive Learning Collaborative is dedicated to serving children and families impacted by intellectual disabilities, autism, and emotional challenges. Believing that every child deserves a nurturing, individualized, and empowering education, Thrive prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Operating in both Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma, Thrive Learning Collaborative provides unique learning experiences tailored to meet the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and vocational needs of a diverse student population.

Our Founder's Vision

Thrive Learning Collaborative was founded by Shneequa Lake, a special educator with over 20 years of experience and the parent of an adult child with autism. Her vision was born out of a desire to create a program that combines academic rigor, life skills training, therapeutic supports, and compassionate relationships within a small, structured environment.

Our Mission

Thrive Learning Collaborative's mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and student-centered learning environment where children with disabilities can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally. The organization partners with families, educators, and communities to ensure every child reaches their fullest potential.

What Makes Thrive Unique?

Thrive Learning Collaborative distinguishes itself through several key features:

Small Class Sizes & High Staff-to-Student Ratios: This ensures that each student receives individualized attention and support.
Individualized Programming Aligned with IEP Goals: Thrive creates customized programs tailored to meet the specific needs and goals outlined in each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Behavioral Support: Recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, Thrive integrates social-emotional learning and provides behavioral support to help students develop essential life skills.
Life Skills & Pre-Vocational Training: Thrive equips students with practical life skills and pre-vocational training to prepare them for future independence and employment opportunities.
Family Engagement: Thrive emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the school, families, and the community to create a supportive network for each student.

Who We Serve

Thrive Learning Collaborative serves students ages 5 to 22 with a range of disabilities, including:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intellectual Disabilities
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Developmental Delays
Learning Disabilities

Locations and Programs

Thrive Learning Collaborative operates in two distinct locations, each offering unique programs tailored to their respective communities:

Washington, D.C.: Thrive Learning Academy

Thrive Learning Collaborative is working in close partnership with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to launch Thrive Learning Academy-a nonpublic special education program designed to meet the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and vocational needs of students in grades K-12. As a newly registered educational institution in the District, Thrive Learning Collaborative is establishing Thrive Learning Academy as a trusted partner in the DC educational landscape. As of 1/12/26, all new students must be approved by the district administrator in your home district. Students who enroll in THRIVE must be a student of one of the current participating districts.

Oklahoma: Virtual Education Programs

Formerly known as Tri-City Learning Academy (TCLA), Thrive Learning Collaborative offers an innovative virtual education program that serves students from multiple surrounding public school districts. Currently, this program serves public school districts throughout the state of Oklahoma.

SYNC, EXPAND, and Credit Recovery Programs

Thrive Learning Collaborative's virtual education program in Oklahoma includes several components designed to meet the diverse needs of its students:

SYNC Program: Consists of full-time and blended virtual students.
EXPAND Program: Offers additional courses, including Advanced Placement opportunities, and will soon be adding test prep courses.
Credit Recovery Programs: Helps students recover credits and stay on track for graduation.

Interactive Virtual Learning Environment

Tri-City Learning Academy provides an opportunity for an interactive learning environment created through technology, in which the student and teacher are separated by time, space or both. Students access lessons, assignments and assessments virtually. Using technology, teachers communicate with students and parents in a variety of ways. Students and teachers meet weekly in LIVE Virtual Sessions for each of their core classes to allow for student - student interaction, teacher - student interaction, all while engaging in activities to review the content presented in the curriculum. There are also opportunities throughout each week for students to meet with their teacher(s) virtually or in person for additional assistance.

Read also: Early Learning Program Details

Tri-City Learning Academy meets all Oklahoma public school standards and graduation requirements. Instructors are Oklahoma certified teachers who are working within their certified areas.

Champions Corner

THRIVE has created additional opportunities for students to receive 1:1 tutoring and assistance each week. Champions Corner, led by Mrs. Heskew, takes place on Wednesdays and includes individual sessions for elementary students, middle school students, and high school students. Tutoring on specific coursework is provided, as well as opportunities for students to receive help in creating a successful routine for each week while addressing the barriers that they may have. Students working in small groups to complete larger assignments and projects are also happening, allowing students additional opportunities to connect, receive help and create CHAMPIONS of virtual learning!

Events and Activities

Thrive Learning Collaborative provides a variety of events and activities to engage students and foster a sense of community:

Human Wax Museum

THRIVE elementary students held a Human Wax Museum at the Newcastle Administration Auditorium. This included a month-long student project, led by THRIVE Elementary teacher Mrs. Westmoreland, with lessons in conducting research, creating presentations and making their historical figure and/or career come to life! Students arrived with their presentations in tow and dressed as past presidents, historical ballerinas, famous inventors and more! Students were able to share the history of their character with those in attendance and proudly come to life as their characters.

Veterans Tribute Video

THRIVE students worked together, along with Mrs. Sanders, to create a Veterans Tribute video for Veteran’s Day. Many students collaborated and created individual displays that included veterans within their family and/or famous veterans known around the world. They included history, years of service, branches and locations served, and pictures of their veterans. THRIVE was proud to honor each and every veteran!

Read also: Agriculture and STEM Scholarships

Graduation

THRIVE is proud to have seniors from Newcastle High School who will walk at graduation.

tags: #thrive #learning #collaborative #overview