Business Details
8 Years
experience
Special Education School Empowering Students in Media, PA
Keystone Freedom Academy was founded in 2018 with a mission to empower students facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges through a supportive, restraint-free educational environment. Our program integrates trauma-informed care, research-based interventions, and personalized academic instruction to foster both academic excellence and emotional growth. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, we provide individualized attention that addresses each learner's unique needs while maintaining alignment with Pennsylvania Core Standards. Our team of experienced educators, including specialists in special education and behavioral management, utilizes the Ukeru System to ensure student and staff safety without physical restraints. Accredited by the Middle States Association, we combine rigorous academics with social-emotional learning to prepare students for successful transitions to mainstream education or post-secondary paths.Through partnerships with local businesses and mental health professionals, we offer real-world learning opportunities and comprehensive support networks. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our technology-integrated curriculum and dual enrollment programs with institutions like Cedar Crest College. We maintain transparent communication with families and school districts, ensuring collaborative support for each student's journey. With campuses in Bucks and Delaware Counties, we serve students from multiple regions while maintaining flexible tuition options and scholarship programs. Our success is evidenced by testimonials highlighting academic progress, improved emotional regulation, and positive school culture.
Services
Special Education Programs
Trauma-Informed Care
Behavior Management
Dual Enrollment Courses
Social-Emotional Learning
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Our 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention and support
- We implement the Ukeru System of Behavior Management with zero physical restraints
- College readiness programming includes dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges
- Extensive network of mental health partnerships for comprehensive student support
- Middle States accredited curriculum aligns with local school district standards
Associations and certifications
- Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
What people say
Amazing school
Academically at my best
Helped control emotions
Great staff
Significant academic gains
Services
Special Education Programs
Our special education programs provide individualized instruction for students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Certified educators create personalized learning plans that address academic needs while supporting emotional development. The program maintains small class sizes (8 or fewer students) with highly trained staff holding advanced degrees in special education and psychology.
Trauma-Informed Care
Our trauma-informed approach creates a safe learning environment that recognizes and addresses the impact of trauma on student behavior. Staff receive specialized training in de-escalation techniques and emotional regulation strategies. The program emphasizes student autonomy while maintaining safety through the Ukeru System of Behavior Management without physical restraints.
Behavior Management
Our behavior management system uses positive reinforcement and choice-based strategies to promote self-regulation. Students earn points every 15 minutes for following expectations, with immediate feedback and opportunities for redemption. The approach focuses on teaching coping strategies rather than punitive measures, helping students develop long-term behavioral skills.
Dual Enrollment Courses
College preparatory dual enrollment courses allow students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements. Partnering with institutions like Cedar Crest College, we offer 75+ college-level courses that maintain academic rigor while providing necessary support. This program helps students transition to post-secondary education with college experience already completed.
Social-Emotional Learning
Integrated social-emotional learning develops critical life skills through dedicated curriculum time and cross-disciplinary instruction. Students learn communication, problem-solving, and self-management techniques that apply across academic and personal contexts. The program uses evidence-based frameworks like School-Connect to build foundational social competencies.
People
Dr. Janine M. Mathesz
Founder
With over 30 years of experience in education leadership, Dr. Mathesz founded Keystone Freedom Academy to create a restraint-free learning environment. She previously served as Chief Operations Officer at The Pathway School and led innovative programs for students with special needs.
Mr. Colton Thomsen
Chief Executive Officer
Bringing expertise in organizational development and financial strategy, Mr. Thomsen leads operational growth while maintaining the school's educational mission. His background in scaling businesses supports the academy's expansion and community partnerships.
Dr. Elizabeth M. Criscuolo
Chief Operating Officer
With a doctorate in Special Education Leadership, Dr. Criscuolo oversees daily operations and student services. Her 20+ years in special education include roles as teacher, administrator, and behavior specialist, ensuring practical implementation of the academy's educational philosophy.
Dr. Faith Ann Cheek
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Cheek brings extensive financial leadership experience from public education, managing budgets exceeding $500 million. She ensures fiscal responsibility while maintaining accessibility through flexible tuition options and scholarship programs.
Dr. Kate Kieres
Chief Academic Officer
With nearly three decades in education leadership, Dr. Kieres oversees curriculum development and instructional quality. Her experience includes developing professional learning programs and implementing evidence-based teaching practices across urban and suburban districts.
Questions
What makes Keystone Freedom Academy different from traditional schools?
We offer a restraint-free environment with trauma-informed care, small class sizes, and integrated social-emotional learning specifically designed for students with behavioral and emotional challenges.
How does the admissions process work?
Contact our admissions team with student records, complete an interview within 48 hours, and receive a decision based on our ability to meet the student's specific needs through our specialized programs.
What academic programs do you offer?
We provide Pennsylvania Core Standards-aligned curriculum with options for credit recovery, dual enrollment college courses, and career technical education electives across multiple disciplines.
How do you support student behavior?
Our Ukeru System focuses on de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement rather than physical restraints, teaching students self-regulation strategies through 15-minute accountability periods.
What are your tuition costs?
Tuition is $324/day with flexible payment options, including monthly billing and scholarships. We work directly with families and school districts to ensure financial accessibility.
Do you offer transportation?
Yes, transportation is provided by sending school districts for enrolled students, eliminating the need for parent transportation to our Bucks and Delaware County campuses.