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OUR HISTORY
In 1983, three Midland families with children with special needs began exploring possibilities for improving their children's education. They enlisted Kay Bynum, who worked successfully with one of the families. On January 16, 1984, the Developmental Disabilities Center opened with Kay Bynum as the director. The school was renamed Bynum School on July 17, 1992, by a duly executed Certificate of Amendment issued by the State of Texas.
Bynum School was created to serve children who face challenges because of various diagnoses and disabilities. Most students reside in Midland or Odessa, which together have a population of over 300,000. From an enrollment of nine students, the school has grown to over 120 children and adults. In 1997, Bynum School was accredited by Cognia (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) for kindergarten through the 12th grade. In 2009, the preschool program also was accredited. On January 1, 2013, Bynum School implemented Odyssey, an adult day program to serve adult clients.
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Bynum School is the only private school in the Permian Basin that provides year-round educational and vocational programs for students, ages preschool through adult, who have disabilities.
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Original Bynum School.
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Bynum School Today.
Because Bynum School accommodates all ages through Individual Program Plans (IPP), students have the opportunity to complete their education with continuity. Without Bynum School, many enrolled students would face separation from their families at young ages and placement in residential facilities outside the community.
Students are assigned to classes using factors such as age and ability. Classes include preschool, primary elementary, primary, life skills, intermediate, secondary, and vocational, including an adult day program. The school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1 to ensure personalized support and effectively address students’ unique needs.
Bynum School is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. The school relies on a combination of tuition, charitable contributions, and fundraising proceeds to support its operations. Because Bynum School does not receive state or federal funding, it is not bound by many of the associated regulations. Nevertheless, the school remains firmly committed to upholding exemplary standards and best practices in serving children and adults with disabilities.
Current Bynum School Vocational Building.
Original Bynum School Vocational Building.
From humble beginnings to today's picturesque campus on 65 acres, Bynum School's mission has remained true to its vision - with God's grace, Bynum School, staying committed to the ideals of dignity and respect, will provide personalized educational programs to meet the academic, behavioral, and vocational needs of individuals of all ages with special needs.