Sept. 16 marked the beginning of an extraordinary partnership between Jacksonville Country Day School (JCDS) and the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE). Through reverse inclusion, JCDS’s fifth and sixth graders will spend time with NFSSE students multiple times throughout the school year, building relationships, learning together and fostering connections that transcend differences.
Reverse inclusion is the process of placing neurotypical students in a self-contained classroom or school, allowing them to interact with students who may have autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities or specific learning disabilities. The goal is to foster understanding, empathy and friendships among students by spending time together and engaging in activities.
During the first visit, JCDS students were paired with buddies from NFSSE and participated in various fun and meaningful activities, from playing games like “Sharks & Minnows” to enjoying playground time and visiting barn animals.
Through this collaboration, students at both schools benefit by developing social skills, increasing understanding and forging friendships that grow with each visit.
JCDS Director of Education Tonya Elstein emphasized the importance of these connections.
“Seeing children engage, learn and play together is always inspiring,” Elstein said. “No matter who the other person is, we can find a way to connect, smile and make a friend. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of inclusion and the bonds that can form when we create opportunities for collaboration. What an impactful opportunity for everyone!”
JCDS students like Emily Parry and Xavier Regis found the experience to be not only fun but also enlightening.
“Everybody was super nice there,” said Xavier. “I connected with my buddy a lot. He plays ‘Fortnite,’ so we were talking about ‘Fortnite’ together, and we liked all the same holidays. I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
Emily shared similar feelings, highlighting how the experience changed her perspective.
“It was fun to visit their school, and I really liked the barn,” she said. “My buddy was really nice, and even though it was hard to communicate sometimes, I learned we shouldn’t judge people, it’s important to be kind and to treat others the way you want to be treated.”
This initiative is about more than just participating in activities together. The pairing of students is designed to build lasting relationships over the course of the school year, with four to five more visits planned.
JCDS School Counselor Liz McNairy captured the spirit of the day.
"All people have the need to feel loved and to have a sense of belonging,” she said. “These emotions were fully present at our trip to NFSSE. From the moment we walked into the classroom, the excitement of the NFSSE students eagerly awaiting our students was palpable! Seeing the children playing and working together was a rewarding experience for all involved."
The Reverse Inclusion Program represents a unique opportunity for students to learn from one another, celebrate each other’s strengths and foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond their schools. As this partnership continues to grow, both JCDS and NFSSE students will benefit from the bonds they form, learning that connection, kindness and friendship can break down any barriers.
