The History of IEA

1971

Toward the Start

1980s

2020s

2000s

2010s

1990s

1970s

History Highlights

NOW

Sister Helen Dowd had increasing experiences with students that needed help. It had come to her attention that parochial schools did not have any services available for children with special needs, such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, and teachers were not equipped to handle children with physical and learning disabilities. It was necessary to be better informed and educated in the field. As she pursued her studies in Saint Joseph College, she met with Dr. John Castle. He was associated with the Gengras Center, taught at the college, and was one of the first to start classes and instruction in the field of special education. It was he who emphasized the increased attention being given to special education and urged her to become active in the field. In the 1971 school year, Sister Helen's provincial superior asked her to start a special education program in the lower level of the convent in West Hartford. It was to be an instance where the Congregation of Saint Joseph departed from their usual role of serving parochial schools. The aim was for her to act as principal and to develop an independent teaching facility similar to the Congregation's Sacred Heart Academy for girls in Stamford. The school would be unique in its primary focus of helping children with special needs and disabilities affecting the learning process. In the ensuing decades after its founding in 1812, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry has been noted for its pioneering spirit and service in teaching and health care. By sending small numbers of Sisters to country-designated provinces and other parts of the world, the Sisters begin missions and then work to expand them. In the fall of 1971, the special education facility, to be known as the Intensive Education Academy, started with just a staff of 3 and 11 students.

Toward the Start

2000s

• In April 2001, IEA broke ground with a new 3,500 sq ft Arts Center addition, featuring a stunning atrium housing a three-classroom complex and an exterior greenhouse. This expansion was designed to enhance students' education in the areas of music, art, and culinary arts.
• The dedication of the Helen E. Dowd Arts Center and the 30th Anniversary celebration of IEA was held on May 15, 2002.
• The addition of the Arts Center resulted in significant improvements to the overall school program as well as increasing the effectiveness of the individual education programs (IEPs).
• In 2003, the annual event, Stars, began as an evening of fun and excitement to raise awareness and fundraising efforts for the school.
• A technology upgrade had taken place introducing new computers with internet access that were now connected to the school server. Students were able to do research throughout the day, computer use was integrated into the classroom lessons, and assistive technology was more accessible to students needing these supports.
• Beginning in 2005, plans were underway to build a 10,000 sq ft addition of an auditorium and 6 new classrooms for high school, in order to support the academic and cultural enrichment of its students.
• On May 2, 2007, IEA hosted the dedication of the new wing and the Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Auditorium, in tribute to the late, musically talented daughter of Robert and Francine Goldfarb, loyal supporters of IEA's Music Program.

"Bottle whatever you do here to succeed and sprinkle it throughout Connecticut." ── CT State Department of Education

• On June 3, 1976, IEC had its first graduation of 3 students.
• By 1977, enrollment rapidly increased with a staff of 10, a student body of 37, and a "huge waiting list" of 32 children hoping to be accepted by IEC.

1970s

• The Intensive Education Center (IEC), or the Center, opened on September 19, 1971, in the basement space of the Provincial House of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry at 27 Park Road in West Hartford, CT.

• Much of the initial equipment and furnishings were provided through the generosity of parents, friends, and fraternal organizations.
• By the end of its first academic year in June 1972, IEC was firmly established as a special education facility, with an enrollment of 13.
• Acquired the designation of, "the school built on love" because of the aptly denoted spirit that prevailed among the staff and children. This love became an essential feature of the school program, including its personalized one-to-one relationship between the teachers and students.
• A Board of Advisors was formed in September 1974 in order to support IEC. Additionally, a Women's Auxiliary was formed in May 1976, with parents at its core, to sponsor fundraising events that significantly benefited the school.

• IEC began implementing a work-study program where the older students learned to do things manually. This career-oriented program gave the older students realistic preperation for reaching the goal of gainful employment.
• A playground was built outside the school and volunteers from UCONN and the YMCA came regularly to play guitar for sing-a-longs, supervise games, or just socialize with the children.

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• In October 1997, IEA was notified of a $400,000 grant from the State of CT for improvements to its new school and it was the first state assistance received in its 26 year history. With the support of the grant, curriculum enhancements, a music program, and a preliminary gym program were implemented.

1990s

• Horizons, the school newsletter, was published for the first time in 1992 and a development office was opened.
• While the school was succeeding in its mission by its 20th Anniversary, with 51 students grades 1-8, 20th Anniversary - 51 students grades 1-8
• A new IEC Auxiliary was formed in 1994, focusing on raising funds for the school's projected move to a new site and enlarged student body.
• In December 1995, IEC purchased a former synagogue at 840 North Main St in West Hartford.
• Extensive renovations and refurbishments would be made to the appliances, facility systems, and rooms to support the daily needs of students and staff.
• In the fall of 1996, the school opened in its new location with a new name, Intensive Education Academy (IEA), reflecting its scholastic focus.
• Improvements were made to the educational program due to the new facility and equipment available including, an intercom system, a multi-purpose room for PE, a library/computer lab, and dedicated music, art, tutoring, speech and language, occupational therapy, and conference rooms.
• Sister Helen Dowd received a Honarary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Briarwood College for continued outstanding efforts in special education.

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2010s

• A 3rd classroom was added to the middle school, totaling 10 classrooms within the program.
• The celebration of the 40th Anniversary of IEA and the 35th Anniversary of the Women's Auxiliary was held on June 7, 2011.
• Jill O'Donnell officially became the second head of the school in the history of IEA on August 1, 2011 as Sister Helen shifted her focus towards the school's finances, maintenance, and development.

• In 2013, IEA hosted their first family resource fair where many service providers and professionals were available for families to visit and collaborate with.
• Grown to include even more personalized related services staff, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) joined the team of a school psychologist, social worker, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists.

• On October 7th 2016, Sister Helen retires.

• In 2017, IEA acquired a 12 passenger student activity van allowing students to have greater opportunities for job placements, attend their off-site jobs more often, and engage in small class field trips.

1980s

• Major renovations were needed for additional space.
• In 1982, a Certificate of Incorporation was granted to IEC, establishing it as a distinct legal entity.
• Several councils of The Knights of Columbus were particularly noteworthy among organizations that supported IEC.
• In August 1983, IEC was granted non-profit exemption under Section 501(c)(3).
• Sister Helen Dowd received a State of Connecticut Humanitarian award for dedication to special education.
• IEC celebrated their 15th Anniversary in 1986.
• Since its foundation raising over $60,000, The Women's Auxiliary expanded as, The Auxiliary of the Intensive Education Center, because of the many people who asked to be more involved with IEC.
• By 1987, the school had grown to about 60 students with a newly added Speech and Language Pathologist and Social Worker.

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2020s

• Lori Susi became the third Executive Director of IEA in July 2022.
• Innovation in the programming and curriculum continued, with additions including Guided by Goats, SocialEyes, and an exceptional Reading Program.
• Support in Related Services grew by adding another psychologist and counselor to the team.
• Students in the Transition Program start experiencing college courses and work studies at Tunxis Community College.
• A Maker Space begins being implemented into the programming that empowers students to explore, create, and learn through hands-on projects by using a variety of tools, materials, and technology.
• An amphitheater will be built in the Fall 2024 in honor of Sister Helen. This space wil provide invaluable outdoor learning and performance opportunities for our students.