Monarch Academy - Parker, Colorado

Autism M.

I'm the parent of a child with learning differences and Monarch has been life changing for our family. My son receives the accommodations he needs and they focus on building skills. My child has never had more confidence and finally enjoys going to school.

Girl S.

This school is a good fit for my child. They had suffered bullying both by students and adults when in public school, and were considered to be THE problem when lagging skills and a developmental disability led to the concerns. At GEM, the learners feel valued as individuals and the staff work with them to solve problems. There is scaffolding to help the learners progress academically and behaviorally so at some point they can move to a less restrictive environment. No place is perfect, but GEM Center is a great place for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder who need a smaller environment to thrive and to be around people who get them and want them to succeed.

Madelyn W.

Monarch Academy has changed my child's life. My child is catching up academically and getting stronger social and emotionally. The staff really care and I feel very supported.

tami S.

The Gem Center has meant the world to our family! Our daughter has attended here for almost five years after Cherry Creek School District helped us find an out-of-district placement for her. Our daughter receives ABA, speech, and OT during her school day, so we can just be a family after school instead of running all over for therapy.

Our daughter is an extremely complicated child with many diagnoses. The staff at Gem have gone above and beyond to learn about her, adjust to her needs, and move her education along. We feel hopeful about her future.

Emily A.

It's hard to put into words what the GEM Center has meant for my daughter and our family. My daughter was in a deep depression, we had dealt with years of school refusal and she was very far behind. We had come from a school with good intentions but their program just couldn't reach her. The deeply individualized approach at GEM has given my daughter back her confidence and love of learning. The teachers there clearly care about the kids. She tells me all about the interactions she has every day and I'm so impressed with how they both support and push her to be her best self - whatever that looks like from day to day. The staff communicate with us regularly and we often work closely with them to think about what next steps to take for her. I feel that we are able to have a nice home to school continuity that way. I have so much gratitude for the time we get to be at GEM. Thank you so much to all who work hard to make this a safe place for all children to learn, even if they've struggled deeply before.

Brooke P.

I visited GEM Center as a fellow professional to see what they had to offer. I was so impressed with the way each and every staff member cared for the students in their program. The facility is beautiful and it is clear the students are in a safe, loving, secure and child-focused environment. I would not hesitate to recommend GEM Center to any parent looking for an alternative setting for their unique or special learner.

Ariel A.

As a student this has been one of the best places for me. When I started on June 14th 2020 ( which is the day my life changed for the better) I was in a dark place and the love and support they showed me was overwhelming, on the first day some students came up to me and asked if I wanted to do art with them. That meant a lot to me as someone who had trouble introducing myself to new people. The teachers are funny and incredibly supportive, and always make me smile. I have never had a better bond with a peer. I am starting highschool this month which is something I never thought I’d do but I feel confident that my teachers have prepared me. The Gem Center saved my life and I will forever be grateful.

Sharon M.

Too many schools are failing to meet the needs of their students who have autism. As the founder and executive director, Laura Gehrke is committed to creating a school that not only meets the basic needs of these children but that also gives them the chance to thrive. The Gem Center offers multi-sensory, hands-on, and personalized learning. Kids learn valuable skills from field trips, a makerspace, and farm animals. Laura is committed to empowering her students, so they can achieve independence and be successful in every aspect of their lives.