At Unity Point, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a lived reality. One student who exemplifies the success of this approach is Mason , an eighth-grader whose journey at Unity Point is nothing short of remarkable.

Mason was diagnosed with autism at 18 months and was initially nonverbal, which led his family to embark on early intervention strategies, including intensive therapy. His mother, Stephanie Brown, recalls how nervous she was when it came time to decide whether Mason should attend a traditional classroom or one specifically designed for children with communication challenges. “I thought he had the right to at least try,” Stephanie said. “If it didn’t work, we could always try something else.”

That leap of faith brought Mason into Unity Point’s inclusive environment, where students of all abilities learn side by side. And from day one, it became clear that Mason was in the right place.

Unity Point emphasizes a model of inclusion that benefits not just students like Mason but the entire student body. Mason is held to the same academic standards as his peers, with modifications made as needed—like additional small group instruction. As one of his teachers noted, “What’s good for Mason is often what’s good for all the kids.” The practices that help Mason succeed often become tools that benefit the whole class, normalizing different approaches to learning in a way that feels equitable and community-driven.

Inclusion, as Stephanie observed, isn’t just about helping Mason fit into the classroom; it’s about creating a school culture where all students see each other as equals, no matter what their individual challenges might be. This is part of what makes Unity Point so special.

Stephanie fondly remembers the time when Mason started preschool. She lingered in the classroom that first day, nervous about leaving her child behind. But then, a bright-eyed girl approached her and asked, “Are you Mason’s mom? It’s time for you to go now.” With the simple wisdom only children can muster, she made it clear that Mason would be fine. And he has been more than fine.

Mason himself has blossomed. He’s active in the classroom, enjoys playing basketball and swimming, and even picked up the saxophone in fifth grade. When asked what he loves about school, he mentioned gym class first but was quick to add that science and English Language Arts (ELA) are also favorites. “I love reading,” Mason said, recalling a recent mystery novel about an orangutan on a murderous rampage in 19th-century Paris. His ability to retain and relay information with such vivid detail is a testament to how far he has come.

But Mason’s experience at Unity Point isn’t just about academics. He has built lasting friendships and is learning important life skills through Unity Point’s Trojan Tribe, a school initiative where students plan events and take on leadership roles. On Wednesdays, Mason helps younger students after school, an activity that fills him with pride. “They look up to all of us,” he said, underscoring his role as a mentor to younger students. “You’ve got to set a good example.”

That sense of responsibility— combined with the unwavering support of his teachers and peers— has made Unity Point a place where Mason thrives. And he’s not the only one benefiting. As Stephanie said, “When you have teachers who believe in the inclusive model, it makes a huge difference.” Unity Point’s teachers have embraced the model wholeheartedly, ensuring that every student, including Mason, has the opportunity to succeed.

For Mason, the future is bright. While he’s not sure yet what he wants to do when he grows up, he’s enjoying every moment of his time at Unity Point. From playing basketball to participating in band, from reading mystery novels to mentoring younger students, Mason is taking full advantage of everything his school has to offer.

Mason’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when a school is committed to meeting the needs of every student. His story is a testament to Unity Point’s inclusive environment—a place where every child is given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.