General FAQ's

Can I take a tour of ScenicView Academy?

​Tours are given by appointment only. To schedule a tour, please call us during business hours. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of the site. We look forward to meeting you! 

Who do you accept?

We accept adults who are at least 18 years of age, have been diagnosed with a learning disability, and who are free from addiction, excessive debt, or severe handicaps. They have an average to high IQ, and are motivated to learn. Click here to see the qualifications for admissions. 

How much does your program cost?

The cost for a full time student is based on current costs that are reviewed annually.  Financial aid packages are available upon submission of a financial aid application.  Please contact our Admissions Officer for more information. 

What classes do you offer?

We offer classes which teach independent living skills such as cooking, shopping, Internet safety, and money management. We teach subjects having to do with understanding emotions, stress management, and social skills. There are also other elective courses such as swimming, tae kwon do, world religions, and art in order to meet the preferences of a wide variety of students. 

Do you accept women?

We accept women as both day students and residential students.

Will I be able to get in right away, or is there a waiting list

​There is a waiting list. However, we will review your application as soon as possible. Upon receipt of the completed application in full including the required fee, the admissions committee will review your application and decide whether you or your applicant will or will not be considered for admissions. You will be notified of the admission status within three weeks; however, it could take longer depending on factors such as background checks, legal matters, outside commitments, etc. Admission is also contingent on the current enrollment capacity. 

How long is the program, and how long can I stay?

Residency depends upon each student’s personal motivation, effort, and rate of progress. ScenicView is designed in such a way to meet the needs of each student. Some students will move through our program and on to other settings within a year; others will stay with us for 2-3 years.

How does your employment program work?

We believe that a key part of 'building a life of independence' is being gainfully employed. If you are currently employed, we will do our best to help you keep that job as you develop the skills you need in other areas of your life. If you are not currently employed, there will be many opportunities for jobs on and off campus designed to help you learn the skills necessary to eventually be gainfully employed. Depending on students level of progression within the program, the intended goal is to have each student eventually be able to hold part-time or full-time jobs.

How often will I get to see my family?

Students are encouraged to maintain ties with their families. They can either make or accept visits, and arrange them with ScenicView staff. Evenings and weekends are free time and may be used for visits on or off campus. Although students are supported in spending time with their families during breaks, we strongly encourage them to be back at school in time for all classes.

Financial FAQ's

Does the tuition I pay to Scenicview Academy qualify as an eligible expense for federal tax credits such as the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit or for the Tuition and Fees Deduction?

Scenicview Academy is not accredited with the U.S. Department of Education as an institution of higher learning.  Since we don’t offer degrees or certificates or training toward a degree or certificate, we are not an eligible educational institution.  Therefore, the amounts you pay toward your student’s enrollment at Scenicview isn’t a qualified higher education expense.

Can I use my child’s college savings plan (IRS 529 plan) to pay Scenicview Academy tuition?

​No.  Our tuition is not a qualified higher education expense since we don’t offer degreed programs or certificates.  If you do use your child’s college savings plan, you may have to pay a penalty for making a withdrawal for ineligible expenses and pay taxes on any earnings.

Does the tuition I pay to Scenicview Academy qualify as a medical expense for tax purposes?

It can.  Payments made for a mentally impaired or physically disabled person to attend a special school will qualify if a principal reason for attending the school is to overcome or alleviate the disability.

Can I claim a charitable contribution deduction for the tuition that I pay to Scenicview Academy?

Scenicview Academy is a 501(c)3, non-profit, public charity so donations to Scenicview are tax-deductible.  However, one of the conditions of a charitable donation is that the donor receives no benefit in return for making the donation.  Talk with your tax advisor for additional clarification.

How much is a family expected to pay for tuition?

We assess fees based on the income of the family and the student.  Each family can apply for financial aid at www.tads.com.  For residential students, we expect the student to pay a fee based on the number of hours/week that the student is scheduled to work.  If the student receives SSI benefits, we expect to collect 100% of that benefit.  The parent fee is based on the results of the financial aid application.  With all of these sources, we will not exceed the full fee that is in effect at the time of the tuition agreement is completed.
For day students, we expect the student to pay 16% of all of their income:  wages, government benefits, etc.  The parent fee is based on the results of the financial aid application.  With all of these sources, we will not exceed the full fee that is in effect at the time of the tuition agreement is completed.

What if my financial situation changes during the year?  Am I locked into the tuition agreement I signed at the beginning of the year?

We can adjust a tuition agreement mid-year if needed based on changes in financial circumstances.  Please call us if you need to discuss a change to your tuition agreement.

When should I pay the security deposit for my child’s room?

The security deposit of $100 should be paid when the student moves into the room or on the first business day after moving in.  If it isn’t paid by the family when the student moves in, it will be billed to the student and he/she will be responsible for paying it.

What happens with my student's social security income?

We assess fees based on the income of the family and the student.  Each family can apply for financial aid at www.tads.com.  For residential students, we expect the student to pay a fee based on the number of hours/week that the student is scheduled to work.  If the student receives SSI benefits, we expect to collect 100% of that benefit.  The parent fee is based on the results of the financial aid application.  With all of these sources, we will not exceed the full fee that is in effect at the time of the tuition agreement is completed.