In this article, the authors recall how the Academy in Manayunk adopted the famous Sally Smith's club methodology. They share how the influence of Smith pushed the school faculty and staff to create a school that focuses on the individual child and celebrates the unique talents and interests that each brings to the learning community. It is based on the vision that Smith created over 40 years ago. The success of The Lab School of Washington has been attributed to many things, including Sally L. Smith herself. But at the core of what drove the success of the program was the passion of a mother whose child learned differently. That is the story of the Academy In Manayunk. The passionate team behind the Academy In Manayunk was composed of eight mothers of children with learning disabilities. With the assistance and partnership with Smith, the team was successful in building its school similar to The Lab School of Washington.