Making Private Education Possible

For Passion Hernandez, a lead assistant teacher at Sierra School of South Mountain, the school isn’t just a workplace – it’s a lifeline for her and her 9-year-old daughter, Serenity.

Serenity, who is nonverbal and an eloper (a common behavior for children with autism is to run or wander away from caregivers or secure locations; this is called elopement), experienced an upsetting incident at her previous school. Passion knew she needed a different option. Her search for a school specialized for children on the autism spectrum led her to Sierra School of South Mountain four years ago.

Today, as both a staff member and a parent, Passion has seen positive changes in her daughter. Serenity, now a fourth grader, has made significant progress in areas that once seemed out of reach.

“She’s eloping less, using words more, asking for things verbally and even interacting with peers,” Passion said, recounting a special moment when she saw Serenity laughing and playing kickball during recess. “It was heartwarming to see her engaged like that.”

For families navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism, Sierra School of South Mountain offers more than education – it provides community and care. Passion emphasized the importance of collaboration between home and school, which has helped Serenity thrive. “The consistency has been crucial for her growth,” she said.

Passion also credits the dedicated staff for fostering an environment where students and teachers succeed. “School leadership ensures we’re properly trained and supported to help our students,” she said.

Financial accessibility is another cornerstone of Sierra School of South Mountain’s approach. As a single mother, Passion found assistance through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), a program designed to help families secure funding for their education. “When I learned about the ESA Universal Scholarship, I was so happy. It made private education possible for us,” she said.

Her advice to other parents of children with autism? To take it one day at a time and remember you’re not alone.

“At Sierra School of South Mountain, we are not only a team but a community and family that help support one another with reaching an end goal,” said Passion.