The Schoolhouse for Special Needs Inc.

The Schoolhouse for Special Needs Inc. (The Schoolhouse) was first established in 2006 with a modest group of students operating from the residence of its Founder, Yasmin Vlahakis. In 2008, it was officially registered with the local regulatory board, The Ministry of Education, and successfully received their endorsement on September 2nd, 2008. The Schoolhouse had many transitions and with the support of The Rotary Club of Barbados, The Schoolhouse is now located at Britton Court in St. Michael on a serene and spacious property…a perfect learning environment.

At the helm of The Schoolhouse is Yasmin Vlahakis who was first educated at St. Gabriels School-Barbados. After graduation, she enrolled at Chiltern Nursery College-Reading, England. Upon successful completion Yasmin relocated to Zimbabwe and began her teaching career at St. Giles Medical Rehabilitation Centre. This post opened her love and appreciation for children with special needs. Later, when she returned to Barbados she established Little People Preschool and ultimately joined the staff at St. Angelas School to oversee their primary school special needs program. After ten successful years, she branched out on her own with The Schoolhouse. Yasmin is now supported by seven qualified, caring and dedicated teachers whose sole purpose is to advance those under their care using the tools with which they have been equipped so that they will become contributing members of the society.

The Schoolhouse is not just another academic institution, it is a sanctuary away from home ensuring a safe, secure, nurturing and stimulating environment within which individuals with special needs can learn, flourish and develop their self-independence. Financially, each of the students come from households that can be classified as indigent, yet, The Schoolhouse encourages this category of parent to make a practical contribution towards their child’s education and overall development.