Check Out Stephanie Burke’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Burke.

Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I worked in special education in the public school setting for over 7 years, I was realizing the public system was not a great fit for some of our learners, especially my neurodiverse students with more adaptive/individualized needs. After meeting my business partner, Tiffany Latham, and starting our inclusive summer camp program, I made the leap to begin my own educational services. We now are about to begin our 3rd school year as The Iris School, expanding our building location, and offering a variety of services to our students.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting your own business is never an easy road, but I have found it to be immensely rewarding and worth every obstacle along the way. I am a teacher to my core, not a business person. I had to find professionals along the way that believed in my vision and could offer expertise where I was just learning. I had to take some risks, trust myself, and network A LOT to get to where we are today.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder and Executive Director of the Iris School, but also the lead teacher. We specialize in offering educational services to neurodiverse students (mainly autistic) and developing individual curriculum plans to meet their needs. I am most proud of the welcoming community we have built here at Iris and the exponential student growth. What sets us apart from other school settings is the love an care we put in every single day. Many of our students come to us not preferring school or have had difficult experiences with school. We teach them to love learning. We offer a safe environment where they can be themselves and are celebrated for even the small successes.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My business partner, Tiffany, is a huge part of our success. We balance each other very well and I wouldn’t be here without her. My husband, Troy, was the first one to tell me to leave my job, pursue my dream, and supported me every step of the way. We have the most phenomenal group of families that continuously support the school and their students. They have placed so much trust in me and my vision by enrolling their children. Lastly, I could not be more grateful for our amazing staff. I have placed so much trust in them to implement our mission. It’s not an easy job and I can’t hire just anyone.

Pricing:

• $450 per week for full time
• $120 per day for part time
• $70 per hour for 1:1 tutoring after school
• $15 per day for after school (3pm-5pm)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theirisschool.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.iris.school/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.iris.school.ga
• Other: https://www.together-with-iris.com/registration