UAH, Rise School of Huntsville create affiliation

Glenn Baeske | UAH

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 23, 2014) - Officials with The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Rise School of Huntsville announced plans today to create a formal affiliation between the two organizations.

Rise School of Huntsville is expected to become a formal organization at the university under the direction of UAH's Department of Education. The purpose of Rise School will remain the same, to provide the "highest quality of early childhood education services to eligible children with diverse abilities."

The Rise School of Huntsville, currently a non-profit organization, provides educational services to children with developmental disabilities and children without disabilities. The program provides children six weeks up to six years of age with a firm foundation for their next educational experience. Children are grouped according to their age and individual needs in an integrated environment containing a diverse range of abilities.

UAH President Altenkirch speaks to Rise School and UAH representatives.
Glenn Baeske | UAH

"We're excited about Rise School of Huntsville becoming a part of UAH," said President Robert Altenkirch. "The motivation for the Rise School fits well within UAH's vision of being a university where technology and human understanding converge as well as our core values of inclusiveness and diversity, and our goal to foster an environment of community service and engagement."

Jerry and Amanda Lee are the co-founders of Rise School of Huntsville, and are pleased with the proposed merger.

"Amanda and I are thrilled beyond our wildest dreams that the day would come when Rise School would become a part of UAH," they said. "It is a true testament to how dedicated our board members and fellow supporters are to the Rise mission and vision. We look forward to watching the program continue to grow and succeed to the level of its predecessor in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama."

Dr. Beth Quick, Chair of the Education Department and Rise Director, Caroline Bradford
Glenn Baeske | UAH

The Rise School in Tuscaloosa originated at the University of Alabama in the 1970s. Since then, seven schools have opened across the nation implementing the unique proven model of an "integrated environment." The program provides a multi-disciplinary service approach through the integration of speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies into the curriculum.

UAH will be able to leverage the knowledge of faculty and students from the Department of Education and the College of Nursing, as well as the College of Engineering through projects to assist students in their daily activities, and enhance the educational experience of Rise School students, Dr. Altenkirch added.

Rise School of Huntsville operates year round and is aligned as closely as possible with the local school systems.