Who We Are
Houston Focus Academy History
In 1999, an after-school and summer camp program was launched to support students with diagnoses such as Asperger’s and ADHD — providing social and behavioral skills that public schools often struggled to deliver effectively. By 2007, it became clear that supplemental services were no longer enough. Too many students were graduating high school without the skills needed to transition to college, employment, or independent living — many simply “graduated to the couch,” with no plan or path forward.
In 2011, while searching for a more appropriate educational solution, our current Executive Director discovered Focus and saw its potential, but also recognized its financial instability. As a volunteer, she partnered with the previous director to co-found Focus Academy. In December 2012, Focus Academy officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving neurodiverse students and young adults.
Originally envisioned as a multi-location model, we learned over time that quality far outweighs quantity. In 2022, we shifted our strategy to operate as a single, purpose-driven campus, allowing us to invest deeply in staff development and facility improvements tailored to our students’ unique needs.
Everyday at Focus Academy is unique. We meet students where they are and provide them the tools and support to find their tribe and become the best versions of themselves they can be.
Connitha Tyrer - Executive Director
Focus Academy Basics
Learning Differences
We specialize in helping neurodivergent students and students with special learning and behaviorial needs thrive.
Collaboration
Families and school staff work together and communicate frequently and openly.
Small Classes
The average class size is 7-10 students.
Individualized Learning
Custom learning plans are created for each student and daily schedules are adjusted according to progress and student needs.
Our Mission
Educating and empowering neurodiverse students through structured support, personalized learning, and social-emotional development.
Our Core Values
Honesty with compassion – truthfulness while having empathy for people and accepting them for who they are
Collaborative system – multiple parties engaged in a shared focus to achieve the maximum potential
Divergent thinking - thinking that moves away in different directions to involve a variety of aspects and which sometimes lead to novel ideas and solutions; associated with creativity
Customized programming – individualized plans and strategies determined by the school based on the needs of the student
Transparency - free from pretense or deceit
Our Vision
Be a model for specialized education in Texas, known for academic rigor, individualized support, and real-world transition readiness.
Non-discrimination Policy
Houston Focus Academy shall operate in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community, including students, staff, board members, volunteers, and families.
Houston Focus Academy does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected under law in any of its programs, activities, hiring practices, admissions policies, or operations.
This policy applies to all aspects of the organization’s operations, including but not limited to:
- Employment decisions and personnel policies
- Student admissions and educational programs
- Access to services and participation in activities
- Interactions with vendors, contractors, and partners