Christ Episcopal School (CES) is pleased to announce the advent of its Heart to Heart (H2H) program, an inclusive, integrated educational experience for students with Down syndrome. Heart to Heart is an outgrowth of Christ Episcopal School’s commitment to model the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live the Episcopal Church’s baptismal covenant by seeking Christ in all persons, striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.
Launching for the 2026-2027 school year, the program will initially be limited to students in grades 1-4 (Lower School), with plans to include qualified students in all grades in the future (CES is a 15-year, early prekindergarten through grade 12 school). The school plans to expand the H2H program to additional grade levels as capacity and program development allow. The program is purposefully designed as a small cohort experience, to allow for close partnership with families and participants. Spaces are intentionally limited so the program can remain personalized and aligned with the scope of services provided.
Admission to the H2H program is individualized and guided by the goal of ensuring that every admitted student has the best opportunity to thrive. Each applicant undergoes a thorough review process that considers the student’s learning profile, current level of functioning, and family goals. This process ensures that the Heart to Heart program aligns with the student’s academic and developmental needs. Students accepted to the H2H program for Lower School will be fully included in their grade-level classrooms with pull-out intervention services as determined by the H2H director.
“The overarching goal will be for H2H students to be fully integrated in the CES community where there is an unwavering commitment to developing the full academic and social potential of each student. We expect that our entire community will benefit from H2H students in our school.”
Dr. John Murray – CES Head of School
At the helm of the new program is director Claire Brown, whose eight years of experience as a special education teacher include supporting diverse learners through differentiated instruction, navigating Individual Education Programs (IEPs), and creating collaborative inclusion practices. Brown will bring her expertise in creating student-centered environments, designing multisensory lessons, and partnering with teachers and families to this new endeavor at CES.
“Claire Brown brings extensive experience working with students with Down syndrome and an infectious passion for helping these students learn and grow,” Murray said.
To learn more about the H2H program and application process, please contact Claire Brown at cbrown@christepiscopalschool.org.
