Our Staff

Our summer teaching staff are wonderful and enthusiastic!  All of the staff undergo training with regard to sensory integration, support and accommodation for unique needs, communication, and positive behavior management.  Lead staff at Carousel Farm and Rainbow Academy are teachers trained in special education.  Our staff will mentor and "coach" teens in job training, life skills, social skills, and participation in recreational activities.  Many of our counselors and aides return to summer fun each year!

A nurse is on staff each day.

Owners/Executive Directors: Linda and Mario LaGrotte obtained a “dream” location to live, raise a family and open a school (just across the driveway) in the summer of 1980. Carousel Farm’s Educational Center began as a summer program serving the educational and recreational needs of children with developmental disabilities. The second floor of the bank barn was converted into classrooms, while several farm animals and a pony lived in stalls beneath. In the Fall of 1987, they left teaching positions in the Philadelphia School District, and opened Rainbow Academy for Little Scholars, as a private academic school for early childhood education. Classrooms were added downstairs, new playgrounds were built, additional pools were put in, and the pony and her friends were moved to another part of the property. For the past 34 years, they have had the privilege and pleasure of sharing in the growth and love of many, many children and their families at both Rainbow Academy and Carousel Farm. 

Director: Dan LaGrotte continues the traditions and love for Carousel Farm, as its director. He joined in the administration of both Carousel Farm and Rainbow Academy after teaching in the Philadelphia public schools for seven years. Dan graduated American University with a degree in elementary education and Temple University with a Master's Degree in special education. He comes to camp and school every day with Hubert, a slobbering bloodhound, who spends dog days next to the goat/sheep paddock "kicking back" and enjoying the children! Dan's knowledge about children and dedication to the field of education is honorable. Everyone adores Mr. Dan!!!  Mr. Dan is available from 8:00 -- 5:00 (or after) each day.