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Since 2003, AEF Schools has served students in grades K12 who have the ability to succeed but may not be reaching their full potential academically, socially, or in the development of executive-functioning and independent-living skills.
Our coeducational day schools provide a fully accredited academic program combined with individualized instruction in cognitive, social, executive-functioning, and life skills.
AEF offers two distinct programs: the AEF Preparatory Program, an accredited diploma-track program for students preparing for college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary opportunities, and AEF Westham Academy, which provides more intensive academic remediation, functional academics, life-skills instruction, vocational preparation, and support for greater independence.
Students may transition between programs as their needs and goals change.
Both programs feature small class sizes, personalized instruction, mastery-based progress, no traditional homework, transportation options, before- and after-school care, and participation in eligible Florida scholarship programs.
AEF is accredited through Cognia and offers individualized graduation and completion pathways based on each student's abilities, needs, and long-term goals.
School Motto: Success is measured one child at a time.
School Mascot: Lion
AEF (Alternative Education Foundation)AEFwas founded in
2003 by a group of parents who wanted a better education for their
children. These parents had tried a variety of public and private
schools, but could not find a school that catered to their child`s
specific needs;academics, social skills, cognitive skills and
life skills. The one-size-fits-allapproach of traditional
schools was not working and their children, despite their
intelligence, were not experiencing success. They did not want to
place their children in special programs that serviced more severe
social, emotional and behavioral problems. Their solution was to
start anon-profit foundation, whose primary goal was to
fundschool programs catering to average to above-average
intelligence children and adolescents who were not excelling
academically, socially, and/or at home. These students do not
require a restrictive environment but rather a structured,
nurturing environment focusing on academic, social, and cognitive
skills.AEF provides our students the opportunity to build their
life, social, cognitive, and academic skills in order to further
their education or assimilate into the work force. Many of the
children we serve have failed at previous schools, been subjected
to tragic events, are victims, or have slipped through the cracks
of a rigid educational system. Giving these students and their
families hope for the future and ensuring success one student at a
time is our goal and mission. Without programs like ours, many of
these students would drop out of school, become products of the
system, or just another statistic. Our graduates are productive
members of society whether practicing law or stocking shelves. They
are taught to take pride in their work, respect others, and help
those who need it. Our philosophy of teaching life, social skills,
manners, and ethics along with academics helps create better
citizens and role models for the future.
You have taken the first step to ensuring the future success of
your child. If you are reading this, you or someone you know are
not satisfied with your child`s current school and know there must
be a better alternative. Or maybe your school is not being
supportive in helping you raise a well-mannered, successful, and
confident child or teenager. Either way, you have found the right
place.
AEF Schoolsdetermines the placement of the student through
an. Admission begins with individual appointments and a
chance for our admissions team to meet with prospective students
and families. Based on the outcome of the screening process, the
admissions team will make recommendations as to which school or
program best meets your child`s needs.
AEF Schools's tuition is approximately $18,500 for private students and $1,500 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of AEF Schools?
The acceptance rate of AEF Schools is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. AEF Schools's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Florida with low acceptance rates.
Does AEF Schools offer a summer program?
Yes, AEF Schools offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does AEF Schools offer?
AEF Schools offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, E-sports, Flag Football, Golf and Soccer.
The school looks at every student and meets them where they are at. Their system is wonderful and instills a love of learning, responsibility, a growth mindset, and critical thinking. Teachers care and the program which monitors each kid daily should be implemented in every school! AEF is life-changing.
- Posted by Parent - Mom
57/29/2023
AEF is an excellent school for kids with special needs. The school has an amazing staff and the teachers are very caring and accommodating to the needs of the child.
- Posted by Parent - AB
56/3/2022
This school is a very good way to help kids like with teachers screaming but I have told you that`s the bad part the rest it is good.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Alec Marks
55/18/2021
Our first son, (22) was a student at AEF for 4 years and his experience from the first day trained him in an extraordinary way. He had an excellent academic performance during his stay at AEF and as well as today's college journey. He also participated in some summer camps during those years and that helped him in several areas of his life. Also, today our son has a part-time job being an outstanding employee.
- Posted by Parent - Estela
51/2/2020
It is our pleasure to report that the teaching team at AEF/Westham has allowed our son to flourish academically and socially. We are looking forward to next year at Westham and all the good work that our son will accomplish. Westham is a gem and the students are encouraged to shine !
- Posted by Parent - Parents of S M S
52/23/2019
AEF is an amazing school for kids that can't function in public or private schools or have special needs like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, etc.
- Posted by Parent - R. Frost
52/23/2019
I enrolled my son 2017-2018 school year because I was concerned that he wasn`t getting the education he deserved at public school. Public school burdened us with homework, overcrowding classrooms and way too much standardized testing. Thankfully, I found AEF. AEF not only focuses on book work. They focus on social skills, emotional skills and life skills. They have core values that support family. With public school we had hours of homework and that would leave my son discouraged, tired and frustrated. The curriculum at AEF is tailored for the child because every child is different. The communication between teachers and parents is amazing. They keep you informed and have great relationships with the students. Therefore, the students are very reapectful(you have to see it to believe it). They follow directives the first time given. All of the teachers/administrative staff care about the students. AEF has very small classrooms, they offer healthy ORGANIC lunches and have the best extracurricular programs/fundraisers. I was so happy with my son`s increased confidence and academic progress, that I decided to withdraw my daughter`s from public school and enroll them at AEF. They love it!!!! I will say they have zero tolerance for bullying, disrespectful and possibly aggressive students. Therefore, they are very selective in what students they accept. Considering the state of public schools across the nation, you can`t blame them. They take school safety very serious. I know this is a long review but I am extremely grateful for the environment. My son had very low self esteem when at public school. The teachers didn`t care and only worried about testing. He was getting lost. He couldn`t do his homework alone and he would cry when I had to take him to public school. Upon enrolling him at AEF in a few months I noticed his confidence increasing and he was able to work independently. His handwriting greatly improved and so did his focus. He even likes to read books now lol! Anyway, I would strongly recommend AEF if you have been considering it. Small class sizes, quality curriculum, safe environment, organic lunches, loving staff and respectful students.
- Posted by Parent - Emma
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The average private school tuition in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $15,053 for elementary schools and $20,113 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
