Gettysburg Montessori school sued over former art therapist's abuse

Lawsuit alleges school failed to report allegations, added assistants and video before parents learned of abuse

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a broken art therapy tool, such as a shattered paint palette or cracked art brush, captured in dramatic, gritty lighting to conceptually represent the aftermath of a school's failure to protect its students.A shattered art therapy tool symbolizes the broken trust between a school and its students following allegations of abuse.Gettysburg Today

A civil lawsuit alleges that the Gettysburg Montessori Charter School failed to report allegations against a former art therapist, David Christopher Mitchell, who later pleaded guilty to indecent assault. The lawsuit claims the school informed parents of added assistants and video recording for therapy sessions shortly before they learned of the abuse allegations.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about how schools handle allegations of abuse and whether they take appropriate steps to protect students. It also raises questions about the school's oversight and vetting processes for hiring therapists who work directly with children.

The details

The lawsuit, filed by two victims, alleges that in January 2025, parents were notified that Mitchell would have an assistant present and sessions would be recorded, shortly before they learned of the abuse allegations. Mitchell pleaded guilty in 2026 to charges including indecent assault and institutional sexual contact. New charges were also recently filed against Mitchell for alleged assaults at his home.

  • On Jan. 7, 2025, police received a referral from Adams County Children and Youth Services about allegations against Mitchell.
  • On Jan. 30, 2025, a third referral involving an allegation of abuse during a therapy session was received.
  • On Feb. 18, 2025, state police received a ChildLine referral about alleged assaults at the Gettysburg Montessori Charter School.
  • On March 9, 2026, Mitchell was sentenced to 22 to 56 months in prison.
  • On March 5, 2026, new charges were filed against Mitchell for alleged assaults at his home.

The players

David Christopher Mitchell

A 56-year-old former art therapist who pleaded guilty to indecent assault and institutional sexual contact charges in 2025.

Gettysburg Montessori Charter School

The school that allegedly failed to report abuse allegations against Mitchell and informed parents of added assistants and video recording shortly before they learned of the abuse.

Mitchell Counseling

Mitchell's business, named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit.

Andreozzi + Foote

The law firm that filed the civil lawsuit on behalf of two victims.

Elena King

The former board president of the Gettysburg Montessori Charter School who responded to parent concerns in a 2025 board meeting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These allegations raise serious concerns about who is permitted to work closely with children. When institutions ignore warning signs, they put children directly in harm's way.”

— Nathaniel Foote, Partner, Andreozzi + Foote

“Basic safeguards exist for a reason, and when they are disregarded, the consequences can be life-altering.”

— Nathaniel Foote, Partner, Andreozzi + Foote

What’s next

A preliminary hearing in the new case against Mitchell is scheduled for April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of schools thoroughly vetting employees, reporting abuse allegations promptly, and implementing robust child protection policies to safeguard students from predatory behavior.