Keywords: ventura elementary school fl
Others Near Ventura Elementary School,FL
The First Hope - Orlando Claudia Alejandra: As a mother of a nonverbal autistic child, I take my son’s safety and well-being extremely seriously—especially when it comes to choosing a school that claims to be built on Christian values. My experience with FIRST HOPE ACADEMY has been deeply disappointing and, quite frankly, disturbing.
When I toured the school, I was transparent with the director about my concerns and the special care my son requires. She assured me that the school was a safe place—but failed to disclose a highly relevant and recent lawsuit involving a teacher who was convicted of sexual abuse against student in 2024. This is not ancient history. This is last year.
After discovering this through public court records on my own, I was horrified to learn that the school had required parents to sign a waiver that included a clause effectively protecting the school from any sexual abuse liability. According to those same records, this waiver is the only reason the teacher wasn’t found guilty of all four counts. What kind of "Christian" institution silences victims and shields itself from accountability like this?
When I emailed the director to ask directly if this individual was still employed and whether this disturbing waiver was still in use, she avoided my questions entirely. I followed up multiple times, stressing that before enrolling my child—at a tuition rate equal to a private college—I deserved straightforward answers about his safety. Instead of answering, she abruptly informed me that my sons application was being declined. No explanation. No reason. Just silence. You decline my sons application because his mother is asking questions? Questions you are ashamed of answering.
It is both heartbreaking and outrageous that a school would choose to dismiss a concerned mother asking valid questions rather than take responsibility for creating a truly safe environment. Parents—especially those of children with special needs—deserve transparency, integrity, and real accountability.
I urge any family considering this school to do your research and ask the hard questions. And if you’re met with silence or dismissal, take that as the answer you need.
Protect your children above all else.
