The Resiliency Florida Curriculum is designed to help students develop essential life skills such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, perseverance, and healthy coping strategies. At Thrive Academy, our educators adapt these lessons to be neurodiversity-affirming, structured, and accessible for learners on the autism spectrum.
Championed by Casey DeSantis since February 2021, the Resiliency Florida initiative was developed to equip Florida’s youth with the skills and virtues necessary to overcome life’s challenges. In March 2023, the Florida State Board of Education adopted this first-in-the-nation framework, designed to introduce critical resilience skills in early grades and reinforce their application as students grow.
Through visual supports, explicit instruction, modeling, and real-world practice, students learn how to recognize emotions, build positive relationships, and respond constructively to challenges. Lessons are reinforced throughout the school day; from morning meetings and social skills groups to collaborative classroom activities, allowing students to apply resilience skills in meaningful, authentic contexts.
Our staff also emphasizes predictability, sensory awareness, and individualized supports, ensuring that each student can engage with the curriculum in a way that honors their strengths and learning style. By combining evidence-based autism practices with the Resiliency Florida framework, Thrive Academy creates a supportive environment where students learn not only academic content but also the confidence and self-advocacy skills they need to thrive.
