Black and white logo featuring a drawing of a schoolhouse with radiating lines behind it, the text "The Schoolhouse" and "A Blog by One Classroom," and an illustration of a pencil drawing on a line.
  • Three people standing indoors, smiling, with a woman holding an icon of a saint. The background features a wood-paneled wall.

    One in a Million – Dr. Stephanie Mahfood of Webster University

    She is one in a million. One of my mentors, an expert in her field, an exceptional human being – and a One Classroom partner and collaborator since the beginning.

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  • A woman and a young girl taking a selfie in a classroom with blue lockers and red heart decorations.

    Professional Development – A Teacher’s Perspective

    From my point of view as an educator, One Classroom’s professional development on inclusion far exceeded my expectations.

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  • A girl dressed as a bride standing in front of a wooden cross with white fabric draped over it, outside a stone church.

    An Extraordinary First Encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist

    When she went up to receive the host, she moved the host towards her mouth so very slowly, so cautious not to drop it. She knew it was precious.

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  • Family group photo outdoors with smiling adults and children, some making peace signs, in a park with trees in the background.

    A Seat for Everyone

    We have a lot of good research and progress around schools serving students with IDD and learning differences. Let’s use it!

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  • A young boy with dark hair and a gray hoodie standing in a classroom, holding a small object in his hands. Behind him, shelves with colorful storage bins and a woman with a name badge are visible.

    The Realities of Catholic Education for Students with Disabilities in St. Louis

    STL Catholic education is a big deal for families, but not every child gets the same shot, especially those with disabilities.

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  • Two young men sitting at a table in an indoor setting, possibly a classroom or meeting room, with books and writing instruments in front of them. They are smiling and looking towards the camera.

    A National Movement at Work in St. Louis

    I am here to help facilitate a multi-tiered system of support for diverse learners in our schools, so that we can get right to the heart of helping students when they need it.

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  • Three young boys, wearing green school uniforms, are holding hands and walking down a school hallway. They are smiling and appear happy.

    Collin is Going to Catholic School with His Brothers & Why It Matters

    Our youngest son, Collin, is joining his older brothers at St. Joseph’s parochial school next fall and we couldn’t be happier or more excited!

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  • Three boys are standing together in a classroom, smiling and hugging. They are in front of a whiteboard with writing and a digital screen displaying the time, 11:33. One boy is wearing a purple striped shirt, another a light blue shirt, and the third a black jacket with white lettering that reads 'De Smet Jesuit Cross Country.'

    In Gratitude for Those Who Say “Yes!”

    The extraordinary people and communities who say “yes” change everything for children with special needs and their families.

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  • Two women taking a selfie indoors. The woman on the left has long blonde hair and is wearing a light pink hoodie. The woman on the right has long curly hair, glasses, and is wearing a brown top.

    Part II: Prioritizing Catholic Values in Catholic Education

    With Kate, that dream took a very different path. One that broke my heart and ultimately transformed the way I lead.

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  • A group of children standing on a porch in front of a door, with one child holding hands with another. The children are smiling and wearing casual clothing. There are four boys and one girl, all wearing sneakers and backpacks.

    Unsung Heroes

    When my youngest son, Johnny, was born in 2015, his siblings Brendan, Liam, and Maggie were ages seven, five, and three, respectively. They instantly loved their baby brother.

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  • A smiling woman with glasses and earrings standing behind a young boy in a school uniform inside a classroom, with tables and chairs in the background.

    Part I: Prioritizing Catholic Values in Catholic Education

    Watching children encounter God’s grace so purely and joyfully affirmed that Catholic education is not simply about academics, but about nurturing faith and forming hearts.

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  • Group of schoolchildren outdoors on a sunny day, smiling and posing for the photo.

    Why Catholic High School for My Child with IDD

    While I am proud of what we’re doing at Christ the King, I am also looking ahead from the perspective of mother. The question of, “Will Keegan be able to attend Catholic high school?” is on my mind.

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  • A smiling teacher talking and interacting with a school student in a classroom, surrounded by other students and educational materials.

    Cultivating a Catholic Culture of Belonging

    Through every high and every low, our approach at One Classroom remains the same; to serve all of God’s beautiful children with a spirit of unity, faith, and love to cultivate a Catholic culture of belonging.

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  • Child with blonde hair sliding down a purple playground slide at a park, surrounded by other children and playground equipment, on a sunny day.

    FAQ: What is One Classroom, and What Is It Not?

    One Classroom provides pathways for children with IDD in the Archdiocese of St. Louis to attain a Catholic education alongside their neurotypical peers.

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  • A school hallway with green lockers, featuring a teacher talking to a student in a gray and green uniform. The student is wearing beige shorts and green sneakers, while the teacher is dressed in a black jacket and pants, with another student visible in the background.

    Fulfilling Our Responsibility as Catholic Educators

    Then Chris Armitage and his parents arrived on my doorstep at St. Mary’s. Like God was showing His mercy for that incident all those years ago and was giving me a second chance. I took it.

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  • Students working on laptops in a classroom with blue walls, bookshelves, and a desk lamp.

    Six Reasons One Classroom Offers a Winning Formula for Catholic Schools

    One Classroom helps every student—not just those with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD)—by promoting inclusive education within Catholic schools.

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  • A young girl with short brown hair and a white bow praying in a church during a baptism ceremony, surrounded by people in pews.

    Part II: Why Inclusion?

    Any decision to implement inclusive education should be made from a place of “want to,” not “have to.” Our joy is contagious, and we’re keen on spreading it!

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  • A woman with dark hair wearing large sunglasses and a navy shirt, and a young man with light hair and light eyes in a white shirt with a palm tree graphic, taking a selfie on a sandy beach with the ocean and blue sky in the background, during sunny weather.

    Keeping the Faith, Staying the Course

    I loved Christopher from the beginning, but would the world love him and accept him like I do? This is all any mother wants for her child.

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  • Pope Francis embracing a woman with glasses in a close, emotional moment.

    Part I: Why Inclusion?

    We quickly discover that embracing the full Body of Christ allows us to seek God more fully.

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The Authors.

  • A woman with short brown hair, wearing earrings and a necklace, smiling at the camera in an indoor setting with a blurred background.

    "One Classroom has enriched the landscape of Catholic education."

    Melissa Copley

  • A man with gray hair wearing glasses, a green suit, white shirt, and green tie, smiling against a gray background.

    "You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."

    Mike England, M.A.

  • A woman with long brown hair, glasses, and hoop earrings is smiling outdoors, wearing a blue and white striped shirt, with greenery in the background.

    "This is about educating students of all abilities, shoulder to shoulder."

    Colleen Mooney, M.A.

  • A woman with long dark hair and light skin standing beside a beige brick wall, smiling at the camera, wearing a pink shirt and a blue denim shirt over it.

    "Catholic schools empower students to live out the Gospel."

    Katy Hugger

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a dark gray collared shirt with an embroidered logo and a pearl necklace, against a blue background.

    "Until there is a seat for everyone, we have a long way to go."

    Hope Reinberg

  • A young man with curly brown hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, dressed in a blue plaid suit, white shirt, and gray tie, posing for a professional headshot against a neutral background.

    "Inclusion of children with IDD is the heart of who we are as Catholics."

    Kyle Van Frank, M.S.

  • A woman with dark hair wearing glasses, a blue and white patterned blazer, a white top, and a necklace, smiling for the camera.

    "One Classroom helps every student - not just those with IDD."

    Dr. Fran Hanson

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair, smiling, wearing a white top, sitting in a room with light-colored walls and windows in the background.

    "My friends, keep the faith and stay the course. Your cup will overflow."

    LeeAnn Armitage

  • A young woman with blonde hair smiling and holding an Auburn University pennant above her head outdoors.

    "More doors need to be opened, and more schools need to take action."

    Audrey Boeker

  • A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a patterned blouse smiling against a gray backdrop.

    "Inclusion IS Catholic education and I’m proud to be a part of it. "

    Bridget Brennell