In May 2018 , a new 18,000-square-foot wing was added to the original building of The Faison School . As we celebrated this first phase of the Forward Into the Future capital campaign , the entire building was dedicated as Kirshner Mihaloff Hall . This expansion increased enrollment capacity to allow The Faison School to serve up to 200 students from over 35 jurisdictions across Virginia . We have come a long way since the school began with just one student , Brittany Faison !
The vast majority of the students we serve are severely impacted by autism . As a result , they are unable to receive their education in the public school setting . These public school systems turn to us to educate these students because of our experience and expertise . Over the years , the demand for our services has continued to increase . The new space in Kirshner Mihaloff Hall helped to meet that demand with eight new classrooms , a playground filled with adaptive equipment for our special-needs population , and , for the Life Skills program , a central multi-purpose room surrounded by functional learning areas such as a teaching kitchen , a studio apartment-style living space , a library , and an exercise space . The unique design of this building allows our staff to create new and impactful learning opportunities for our students . According to Jonathan K ., a teaching assistant in the Life Skills program of The Faison School , “ It is extremely fulfilling to be able to provide experiences that wouldn ’ t usually occur in the students ’ day-today routine if they did not have Faison in their lives .”
For those who have visited our campus , they quickly realize that what we do in the hallways of Kirshner Mihaloff Hall is about much more than just education . It is about dedication , love and a commitment unlike any other to all of our students . As Jonathan also noted about his work at The Faison School , “ Knowing that you ’ re making students feel safe and loved , that ’ s the most fulfilling part .”
“ Faison does a really good job motivating the [ students ] and showing them their future is endless and that there ’ s a place at the table for everyone .” - Kat S ., a Faison Teaching Assistant in the EILC
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