Keystone Freedom Academy students
MSA-CESS AccreditedUkeru CertifiedRAIL EndorsedEst. 2018
Special Education School PA

Our
Administration

Check out our amazing administration. Our team is what makes us one of the best Special Education Schools PA has to offer.

The two founding members of the administration team at KFA worked together at an approved private school where they served as top administrators. They believed there was a better way — one that would treat students in a humane manner, free from physical restraints.

Meet the TeamEnroll Now844-539-3366

Mission & Difference

Our School

Mission

Empowering Students to Find Freedom Today

Our mission is to empower students facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges by providing a supportive, restraint-free environment where they can thrive academically. Through differentiated instruction and data-driven strategies, we create opportunities for lifelong success and personal growth.

Finding Freedom Today; Creating Opportunities for Tomorrow

Keystone Freedom Academy, affectionately referred to as KFA, is a private academic academy that uses trauma-informed care and other research-based strategies to support Social, Emotional, and Behaviorally complex students in grades 5–12+.

The KFA Difference

What Sets Us Apart

  • Scholarship pricing available for all budgets
  • Private Special Education Day School
  • Rigorous Academic Curriculum aligned to local school district's curriculum
  • We work as a team with sending schools and districts to ensure the success of the student
  • Researched Based Intervention Programs that help students overcome obstacles
  • Focus on student's strength and gifts to empower them
  • 1:1 Technology
  • Stand alone Social/Emotional Curriculum
  • Credit Recovery
  • Future Focused: helping students find post-secondary paths
  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • Full Accreditation by Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
  • Prepare Students to return to the public school system within 2-3 years

Accreditation

Middle States Accreditation

Keystone Freedom Academy has earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement. Accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards.

RAIL Endorsement

AI Literacy, Safety & Ethics

KFA has been awarded the RAIL Endorsement I: AI Literacy, Safety, and Ethics by the Middle States Association. This means KFA is committed to a curriculum that prioritizes digital citizenship and the ethical application of AI.

Learn About RAIL

What We Develop

Student Outcomes

01

Competent Thinkers

Able to use critical and creative thinking, solve problems, make decisions, and analyze data.

02

Effective Communicators

Possess the ability to express themselves through a variety of mediums, including written or oral communication, art, and music.

03

Knowledgeable Individuals

Demonstrate academic proficiency in core areas of mathematics, science, social studies, English, and the arts.

04

Physically & Emotionally Self-Aware

Understand the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy level of fitness and balance emotional and intellectual decisions.

05

Resource Managers

Ability to organize, allocate, manage, and use information and resources available for effective and efficient decision-making.

06

Responsible Citizens

Well informed and able to apply their knowledge to improve the quality of their lives and contribute as responsible members of the community.

Our Core Values

3 Pillars

Three principles that guide every decision we make — from curriculum design to how we support each student every day.

01

Freedom

The opportunity for individuals to express themselves, make choices, and pursue their educational journey in a way that aligns with their unique strengths, interests, and needs. Freedom fosters independence, personal growth, and the ability to thrive in a supportive environment.

02

Safety

The assurance of a secure, respectful, and welcoming environment where individuals feel physically and emotionally protected. Safety is foundational for fostering trust, allowing students to take risks in their learning and development without fear of harm or judgment.

03

Humanity

The recognition and respect of each individual's inherent worth and dignity. It emphasizes empathy, compassion, and understanding, ensuring that every person is treated with kindness, fairness, and respect, and is supported in their personal and academic growth.

Our Beliefs

We Believe…

Students can and must own their academic growth, identify social strengths and challenges, and practice self-advocacy.

In replacing discouragement with empowerment by creating a structured, systematic and supportive learning environment.

In collaboration and actively cultivate partnerships with businesses to promote authentic, real-world learning experiences.

Safety is fundamental to student learning and are committed to creating and sustaining an environment free from harm.

All members of our community should strive to honor and celebrate the diverse aspects of individual identity, human dignity, and cultural heritage.

In the pursuit of excellence and the value of honest self-reflection as cornerstones of our daily operations.

Every person has the inherent right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Our responsibility as citizens requires us to stand united against racism, hatred, and inequality in all forms.

Leadership

Administration

The two founding members of the administration team at KFA worked together at an approved private school where they served as top administrators. However, they were very disappointed in the best practices of using restraints to regulate students who were escalated. They believed there was a better way to help students learn to self-regulate and one that would treat students in a humane manner. Together they created systems that provide students with a safe environment, free to learn through making mistakes, having choices, using their voices, and experimentation. Since 2018, KFA has been enrolling students who have found, by attending KFA, a family of educators who care and strive each day to provide the best support systems and rigorous academics.

Dr. Janine M. Mathesz

Dr. Janine M. Mathesz

Founder

Dr.J@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Dr. Janine Mathesz is a distinguished leader in education, holding a doctoral degree with expertise in federal education policies and teacher effectiveness. With over 30 years of experience spanning education, medical, engineering, technology, electronics, security, and healthcare industries, Dr. Mathesz has dedicated her career to fostering innovation and excellence in learning environments. She is the founding force behind Keystone Freedom Academy, opening the school and establishing it as a beacon of innovation.

Education & Credentials

  • Superintendent Letter of Eligibility – PA Department of Education
  • Ed.D. – Leadership, Management, Policy, Education Administration – Seton Hall University
  • Principal Certification, K-12 – PA Department of Education
  • M.S. – Educational Leadership – Wilkes University
  • B.S. – Mathematics & Secondary Education – Cedar Crest College
Mr. Colton Thomsen

Mr. Colton Thomsen

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

cthomsen@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Mr. Colton Thomsen is a strategic and visionary business leader whose career spans banking, cybersecurity, managed services, and professional services industries. He brings a results-driven approach to his role as CEO, with expertise in scaling operations, streamlining efficiencies, and driving sustainable growth. He transitioned to a full-time leadership role in August 2025, deeply committed to advancing the school's mission. Fun fact: Mr. Thomsen is an identical twin!

Education & Credentials

  • M.B.A. – Baylor University
  • B.A. – Finance, Mays Business School – Texas A&M University
Dr. Elizabeth M. Criscuolo

Dr. Elizabeth M. Criscuolo

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Ecriscuolo@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Dr. Criscuolo has extensive background in education both as a teacher and administrator. Her professional credentials and training have prepared her to meet the multifaceted challenges of working with a diverse group of learners. She completed a doctoral program for Special Education with a focus on Emotional Disturbance at Gwynedd Mercy University, which has assisted her with improving best practices and behavioral interventions for students at Keystone Freedom Academy.

Education & Credentials

  • Ed.D. Special Education Leadership, Gwynedd Mercy University
  • Principal Certification, K-12 – PA Department of Education
  • M.S., Educational Leadership, California University of Pennsylvania
  • K-12 Special Education Certification – PA Department of Education
  • M.S., Special Education, West Chester University
  • Behavior Specialist License, Pennsylvania Department of Medicine
Mr. Jordan Fortier

Mr. Jordan Fortier

Principal, Warminster Campus

jfortier@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Mr. Jordan Fortier is a committed educator with nearly two decades of experience in the field. He has served in both urban and suburban school districts as a teacher of mathematics, curriculum specialist, and assistant high school principal. He has a passion for student success and preparing them for their future, with a focus each day on building strong relationships, helping students achieve their goals, and supporting the growth and development of each member of the school community.

Education & Credentials

  • M.A. in Education and PA Principal Certification (K-12) – Cabrini College
  • PA Teaching Certification in Secondary Mathematics – Drexel University
  • B.S. Mathematics – The Pennsylvania State University
  • Associate's Degree in Science and Commission in US Army
Ms. Lauren Kammerer

Ms. Lauren Kammerer

Principal, Media Campus

laurenkammerer@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Ms. Kammerer has been an educator for eleven years and has served KFA as a teacher and most recently, an interim building administrator. She began her career in an urban Catholic school as a teacher and head swim coach. She then served as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia before joining the Keystone Freedom Academy staff in August of 2022. She is passionate about building productive, meaningful relationships with students and their caregivers.

Education & Credentials

  • M.S. Educational Leadership – Point Park University
  • B.S. Secondary Education – Social Studies – East Stroudsburg University
  • PA Teaching Certification in Secondary Social Studies – East Stroudsburg University
KFA teacher working with student

Open Enrollment

Limited spots available

Come Say Hello

Become Part
of Our Story

We'd love to meet you and your student. Schedule a visit, tour our campus, and see if Keystone Freedom Academy is the right fit.

Call to Schedule a VisitEmail Us
MSA-CESS Accredited
Restraint-Free
2 PA Campuses