Kempton Park, Birchleigh – At Pax Mentis Academy, children with autism and other learning differences are given more than just an education—they are given a space to belong, grow, and be celebrated.
We spoke with Belinda Sternberg, the founder and lead teacher of the academy, who shared the inspiring story behind the school.
“I started this school after seeing firsthand the challenges my own grandson faced finding the right educational support,” Belinda explains. “I wanted to create a place where those needs are not just met, but celebrated.”
Pax Mentis Academy currently serves 25 children, aged 2 to 9 years, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, understood, and valued. The school provides individualized learning plans, a flexible curriculum adapted to each child’s strengths, and a variety of teaching methods designed to help learners reach their full potential.
Despite the progress, Belinda is candid about the challenges the school faces. “We deal with limited funding, a shortage of trained staff, behavioral and social challenges, and administrative burdens. Moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach takes effort, but it’s worth it for the children.”
Belinda’s message is simple but powerful:
“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person (child) as more.” — Robert M. Hensel
“Your circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”
At Pax Mentis Academy, every child is more than a student—they are a promise of what is possible when care, understanding, and opportunity come together.
Good evening I must give it to Teacher B, my son started this year in march. I had challenges of paying the school fees, she was very understanding and her work speaks for it self, we spoke sepedi in my house, my son knew no English, few months being there he could understand most English words. I am certain that another year in the school my son will be fluent and understanding English n he will be able to write too. The best decision I took for my son’s future, we need sponsor to help with the fees, trained staff and equipment, there are kids who need help with speech, physio, OT e.t.c, my son problem is that he is unable to walk he need help, I believe with physio twice or once a week he will be able to walk in no time, regards Parents