Up With Downs School Pre-School is located in George. Up with Down’s school was established in 1998 by parents of children with Down Syndrome. The need for special care and schooling for their children was the main aim. Today the school houses children of various special needs. The school is managed by the parents. The aim of the school is to provide a specialized education that will meet the needs of children with special needs.

Up with Downs is a non-profitable organization and operates within a Trust under the supervision of a Board of Trustees. The school was founded when a few parents saw no alternative for their children, other than sending them far away to live in a hostel environment.

The school acknowledges each child’s own potential and works in collaboration with the parents to build each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Children from 5 years of age and upwards can apply for acceptance into Up with Downs School. The acceptance criterion is based on the age of the child and the manageability of the child within the classroom setting. A two week probationary period for all new children is required for the sole reason that all children must benefit from the program that the school offers, intellectually, emotionally and behaviourally.

Entrance into the Adult program is for adults 18 years of age or older. These adults can be graduating students from Up with Downs or adults from outside the school.