As an educator and parent of a neurodivergent child, I understand how some children fall through the cracks. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for a deeper, more comprehensive approach that focuses on your child’s specific needs. As a parent, you may also require additional support and guidance. Perhaps your child is struggling in a large classroom with minimal support, or maybe their needs aren’t being met due to state testing and regulations. No matter where you are on the journey to find a better educational setting for your child, Beacon Academy is here for you.

Our family’s education heritage is rich and diverse, encompassing a broad range of areas, including specialized education and support for those with differing needs, such as ASD, ADHD, SPD, and other learning needs, including reading and math difficulties.

About Us

Ms. Elizabeth Ruddell

Founder, Administrator, Lead Educator

As you’ve just read above, I am a momma to an incredible little one who has blessed me with knowledge and expertise that I would have never acquired on my own. From this, I chose to continue expanding my skillset as an educator, striving to become someone who understood children no matter their needs. This journey is never-ending and ever-rewarding, but standing by and watching a failing system was no longer an option.

Over the last several years I became a mentor teacher to many student teachers in education programs across Oregon, and eventually was hired as an adjunct professor at a local university to teach upcoming teachers. This enormous jump in my career continued to take me forward towards my goal of changing a broken system.

Now, having gained enough experience in the world of education, I am ready to make a change. That is where Beacon Academy comes in.

Having personally grown up in a unique learning environment as a homeschool student, I knew how I wanted to structure our programs. Partnering with my parents, both retired educators and administrators, was an easy choice. They have brought 40+ years’ worth of skills to the school, allowing us to form programs that go beyond any traditional setting, and creating a specific learning environment for students to thrive in.

I hope you, too, can find a home here—a place where you have peace of mind as a parent, a place where support is our priority, a place where you can watch your child flourish.