For over thirty-seven years, High Hopes Development Center has offered a unique approach to serving children with and without special needs. A non-profit organization based in Franklin, High Hopes is the only inclusive preschool and kindergarten in Williamson County with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic equipped to serve children with various diagnoses. Parents of typically-developing children and children with special needs know their child is receiving top-quality educational enrichment, therapeutic care, and loving support. With a reputation for excellence, the Thompson preschool and kindergarten nurtures and educates children ages six weeks to kindergarten. Classroom enrollment consists of 60% students who are typically developing and 40% children who have special needs. The school 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 young adulthood. Children work one-on-one with therapists to improve vital life skills and achieve important individualized goals. High Hopes therapists have an average of over 14 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.”