History of the
Linda Nolen Learning Center
What would eventually become the
Linda
Nolen Learning
Center
was created in August 1977.
The school was originally a large classroom at
Shelby
County High School,
and employed two teachers to serve 10-12 students.
After two years of growth, and in need of additional space, the
school relocated to the Central Office in 1979 and became known as the
Center for Exceptional Children.
The school employed four teachers and expanded to four
classrooms, serving approximately 25 students.
The school continued to grow, and in April 1990 relocated to the
renovated Thompson
High School facility in Alabaster.
On March 9, 1997, the Center for
Exceptional Education was rededicated as the
Linda
Nolen Learning
Center
in honor of Dr. Linda M. Nolen.
Today, the Linda
Nolen
Learning Center
is widely recognized as a leader in the provision of special education
services to children with disabilities.
The Linda
Nolen
Learning Center
has received special recognition from the Alliance of Invitational
Schools, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools. The United States
Department of Agriculture also presented its “Best Practices Award” for
the outstanding food and Nutrition Service and exemplary commitment to
accommodating students with special needs.
The Linda
Nolen
Learning Center
is located in Pelham in North
Shelby
County. The school serves students
with special needs in self-contained classrooms.
Students, ages 3-21 are served in one of three programs: (a)
Multi-Disabled program for students ages 5-21 and (b) The Star Program,
serving students with severe emotional needs in kindergarten through
eighth grade.( c) The Eclipse program serving typical and atypical
students ages 3-4.
Podcast of former location