When searching for a private school that offers a welcoming, encouraging, and educationally stimulating environment for your child with autism, it’s important to consider:
- How the school promotes an inclusive environment. You want your child to feel safe and welcomed at school, so they can pursue academic interests and develop socially. Look for schools that make this a focus. One way to evaluate this is to see how a school handles its admissions and whether or not the administration takes time to learn about each student.
- How the school uses social-emotional learning (SEL). At Fusion Academy, students can take an elective course called Community Minds, where the focus is on learning to navigate social cues and adapt to change. We are also implementing a new program where students will have a lead mentor and participate in group workshops that further encourage social-emotional learning.
- The student-to-teacher ratio. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to customize the learning environment and lesson to the students. Plus, a large classroom, like the ones found in traditional schools, can be distracting for students with autism and create difficulties where they struggle to focus or keep up.
- The size of the campus. For some, a large and busy campus can feel impersonal and overstimulating.
- To what degree the school can accommodate your child. Autism Spectrum Disorder is just that — a spectrum, and the best school for your child will depend on the kind of accommodations they need.
- How the school sets up their students for academic success. There are two areas to consider:
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- Does the school offer a variety of curriculum options? For example at Fusion, we have an extensive course catalog that lets students choose courses that align with their interests. We offer college preparatory courses, Honors courses, AP® courses, and also courses that allow for less academic rigor.
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- How does the school implement executive functioning skills, like organization and scheduling? For students with autism, a key aspect of education is mastering how to learn effectively. At Fusion Academy, our classroom environment is ideal for helping students develop their executive functioning skills. This helps them succeed in their classes, and also provides the tools they need to better manage tasks outside of school.
We also encourage families to seek out private schools that see and support their child as a whole person — not just through the lens of an autism diagnosis. While a diagnosis can be a helpful starting point in understanding how to support a student, it should never define them. Every child is a unique individual with their own strengths, preferences, and goals. In fact, many students with autism may also experience overlapping learning differences. Rather than focusing narrowly on labels, the most effective approach is one that embraces the full picture of who a student is and how they learn best.
Further, a student’s academic and social performance are impacted by the environment in which they are learning. At Fusion, where we have a unique one-to-one student-to-teacher ratio, we’ve seen firsthand how creating a supportive learning and social environment allows students to thrive in ways previously never expected. This leads to new confidence and new skills, which leads to better academic performance and a more fulfilling social life at school.
In this post, we look at how Fusion Academy is a good fit for high functioning students with autism. Fusion Academy has campuses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Washington State. Plus, we offer a comprehensive online school for virtual learners. Learn more here.
Plus, we look at other options for students with autism, including:
- Private schools for autism in Louisiana
- Private schools for autism in Michigan
- Private schools for autism in New Hampshire
- Private schools for autism in New Mexico
- Private schools for autism in Oregon
- Private schools for autism in Pennsylvania
- Private schools for autism in Rhode Island
- Private schools for autism in Utah
- Private schools for autism in Wisconsin
Fusion Academy: Personalized Private School for Independent Students with Autism
At Fusion Academy, we offer personalized, one-to-one classes and a small, tight-knit campus.
Our approach to education is ideal for high functioning, independent students with autism. On a Fusion campus, students will find a diverse student body of like-minded peers and faculty that have experience in teaching neurodiverse students.
Because of our education model, we can adapt our approach to the curriculum to better fit each student — embracing their strengths, helping them bridge any gaps they have in their learning, and increasing their chances of meeting their goals (both academic and social).
Fusion offers middle school and high school programs and both on-campus and virtual learning options.
We have campuses throughout the US, in states such as:
(You can see the full list of campuses here.)
At Fusion, we offer:
- College preparatory courses
- Honors courses
- AP® courses (where students can earn college credit depending on their AP test scores)
We also offer Essential courses, which are non-college preparatory courses. They fill the requirements for high school graduation, but are not geared at preparing a student for college. A student’s education plan may consist of one of each type of course — a college preparatory course, an AP® course, and an Essential course.
At Fusion, we take the time to get to know each student and their family before enrollment, ensuring that we’re a great fit for one another. This process includes a meeting with the Head of School at your campus and may also involve your child taking MAP testing®, which helps assess academic readiness in Language Usage, Mathematics, and Reading.
When creating the best plan for each student, we also factor in any existing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) they may have.
The goal is to learn what we can about each student before enrolling them. Then, if we’re a good fit for each other, we’ll create a personalized plan that is designed to help them thrive academically and socially.
Learn more about the admissions process.
Personalized Learning
At Fusion, we offer one-to-one classes. This means that one teacher is working with one student. This model allows the teacher and student to work together and create a flexible learning environment.
A teacher can work with a student until they’ve mastered a concept before moving on to the next chapter or unit. This also means a student can progress through topics they’ve mastered at their own pace, without having to wait for their peers. A teacher can tailor their lesson materials and examples toward each student, their preferences, and their own stated goals.
Additionally, a student’s IEP can be easily accommodated, such as providing additional time on tests or breaking concepts down into smaller chunks. Finally, a mentoring relationship is formed between the student and teacher.
Faculty at Fusion are experienced not just in teaching their subject, but also in helping the students master how to learn — this includes how to organize their calendar, pack their backpack, how to take more effective notes, how to regulate emotions during anxious moments (like taking tests or working at the whiteboard), and more.
In our experience, and based on student testimonials and test performance*, this model has worked well for all type of students, but especially:
- Students with learning differences
- Students with school anxiety
- Students who thrive in accelerated programs
- Twice exceptional students
As we will cover below, our one-to-one classes are combined with an active and social campus, so students get the key socialization experiences that help shape them as a student and member of their community.
*Our students’ achievement scores grow 41% more in a school year than their peers nationally. In math specifically, student achievement scores grew 2x more in a school year than their peers nationally.
A Focus on Social Emotional Learning
At Fusion, we place an emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL). We weave SEL concepts into the classroom and plan our social programming around SEL outcomes.
Students can enroll in a Community Minds course, where they’re taught tangible skills to navigate social situations. This includes how to recognize and respond to social cues, how to navigate areas of uncertainty, how to build and maintain friendships, and how to recognize the impact of their behavior on those around them.
Social Life at Fusion: A Welcoming Community for Neurodiverse Students
Fusion provides an environment where neurodivergence is embraced, fostering acceptance and understanding.
At Fusion, we have two dedicated social spaces for students:
- The Quiet Homework Café: Here, students can work side-by-side on their schoolwork. Generally, students have time assigned in the Quiet Homework Café as part of their school schedule to help ensure the social component of their education and also to reduce the likelihood of them having to take schoolwork home. Sometimes, students work together on assignments, and other times they’ll work independently.
- The Social Homework Café: This is where students break for lunch, have club meetings, events, presentations, socialize with one another, and make meaningful connections.
Clubs and Events
We offer both in-person and online clubs and events for our students. The specific clubs vary by campus and are generally set up by the students based on their interests.
Most campuses have D&D clubs, chess clubs, student government, etc. Some campuses may have more specific clubs like a Pokemon club or yoga club, depending on student interest.
Each Fusion campus has a Director of Student Life who organizes social activities centered around social-emotional learning themes, including field trips, community service, events, and more.
Fusion administrators delivering food packages put together by students from our Pembroke Pines campus in Florida to support a local women’s shelter.
Post Secondary Counseling
96% of Fusion students go on to attend a college or university. Students with autism generally factor in their diagnosis when choosing universities, and this can include continuing any IEPs they currently have.
At Fusion, we offer post-secondary counseling to help students choose the best path for them.
Our post-secondary counselors are aware of programs like the SALT program (Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques) at the University of Arizona and similar initiatives that provide support for neurodivergent students in college.
Here’s a more comprehensive list of post-secondary counseling services we offer:
- College essay support
- Post-secondary planning
- Resume creation and building
- Course selection
- College prep timeline review
- SAT/ACT testing timeline review
- Practice SAT/ACT test support
- Help with applying for scholarships and financial aid
- Help with reviewing and completing college applications
- College admissions interview preparation
Fusion Campus Locations
Fusion has over 80 campuses across the country, including states such as Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, and more.
You can see a full list of our campuses here.
Other Private Schools for Autism (Sorted By State)
Private Schools for Autism in Louisiana
St. Michael Special School
Based in New Orleans, St. Michael Special School is a school for students aged 5–21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Besides autism, the school also supports learners with ADHD and Down Syndrome. A range of different therapies are available, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.
The academic curriculum at St. Michael is based primarily on English, Math, and the arts. In the lower school, students are grouped into small classes by age, and there is a heavy focus on using technology to facilitate learning. In the upper school, students continue their academic studies while also engaging in electives such as Creative Arts, Culinary Science, and Film Production.
Students at St. Michael have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities. These include cheerleading, intramural sports, and Student Council. The school also encourages participation in volunteering and community service, since this fosters a sense of social responsibility.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Louisiana
- The Emerge School, Baton Rouge
- The Brighton School, Baton Rouge
Private Schools for Autism in Michigan
Aim High School
Aim High School is a school for students in Grades 6–12 with social and learning differences that’s based in Farmington Hills. The school provides individualized instruction and a personalized curriculum for each student, tailored to their unique learning style. The academic program at Aim High adheres to Michigan Merit Curriculum standards, and students graduate with a State of Michigan diploma. College support is also available to students, including ACT prep, interview practice, and visiting colleges. It’s even possible to be enrolled at a post-secondary institution at the same time as Aim High.
The school places a strong emphasis on students’ social and physical well-being. They’ve created a Communication and Life Skills class and built it into the curriculum in cases where students need more direct instruction in that area. There’s also a program of nutrition and physical education. Here, the school aims to establish healthy habits that will set students up for lifelong wellness.
There are lots of extra-curricular activities on offer at Aim High. Music and the arts are especially popular, with lots of students taking music lessons, playing in bands, learning audio production or practicing fine art. The school regularly organizes drama showcases and dance evenings. There’s also a flourishing Robotics Club that has competed in several tournaments.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Michigan
- Lake Michigan Academy, Grand Rapids
- The Spark Center for Autism, Farmington
Private Schools for Autism in New Hampshire
The Birchtree Center
The Birchtree Center is a specialized day school for students in Grades pre-K–12 who have autism. Although the school itself is based in Portsmouth, it also has an extensive outreach program in which it sends behavioral experts out to southern New Hampshire, southern Maine, and northern Massachusetts.
Birchtree’s program is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Staff use these principles to help students with autism maximize their existing strengths, develop resilience to personal learning barriers like auditory sensitivity, and communicate in a healthy, functional way. A student will typically see multiple expert instructors in one day, in both structured and unstructured settings.
The academic side of school life follows New Hampshire state education standards. That being said, each student receives an individualized education program that’s tailored to their particular needs. This typically includes literacy, language, math, and other academic skills. Birchtree also employs a Transition Coordinator who helps students find opportunities for after they graduate. This includes college, but the school also maintains lots of relationships with local businesses to support students who want to take a more vocational path.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in New Hampshire
- Crotched Mountain School, Greenfield
- Parker Academy, Concord
Private Schools for Autism in New Mexico
Pathways Academy is a private school in Albuquerque that serves autistic students between kindergarten and 12th grade, as well as other students who struggle in traditional educational settings.
The school maintains a small student-teacher ratio of no more than 8:1, allowing for individualized lessons tailored to each student’s unique abilities. With a total enrollment cap of 24 students, the school provides a close-knit environment where every student is known by all staff members. The average teacher has been on staff for 9 years.
Pathways Academy operates year-round with classes from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Thursday, with Fridays reserved for doctor and therapist appointments. This schedule helps maintain learning retention and provides students with a consistent, predictable routine.
Graduates of Pathways Academy receive a New Mexico State High School Diploma and are eligible to attend colleges and universities in the state, including CNM, UNM, and NMSU.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in New Mexico
- DLD Sycamore School, Albuquerque
- May Center for Learning, Santa Fe
Private Schools for Autism in Oregon
Located in Sherwood, Victory Academy is a year-round school dedicated to serving children affected by autism and related learning difficulties. There are approximately 75 students at the school, each of whom receives an education plan that’s customized to their needs.
Students at Victory are put into classes based on skill level, rather than their grade or age. They work through a five-year high school program that offers both regular and modified diplomas. Compass, a post-graduation program, is also available. The curriculum includes subjects like math, language, science, health and social studies, but staff also go out of their way to ensure that students’ interests are incorporated into the classroom.
Outside of academics, Victory offers a variety of different therapy options. These include Applied Behavior Analysis, speech and language therapy, and social skills groups. The school places a particular emphasis on communication skills, which is a common challenge for autistic students. These are taught using a combination of expressive, written, visual and technology-based teaching methods.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Oregon
- Bridges Middle School, Portland
- Edison High School, Portland
Private Schools for Autism in Pennsylvania
The Pressley Ridge School for Autism is a school in Pittsburgh for students with autism between the ages of 6 and 21. The school is one part of a larger range of services offered by Pressley Ridge to the local area, including fostering, outpatient services and transition programs to help students prepare for adulthood.
At Pressley Ridge, each student receives a learning plan that’s tailored to their unique learning style, and staff work in conjunction with parents to implement it. As well as facilitating students’ academic growth, there’s an emphasis on maintaining relationships, fostering communication skills, supporting independence, and assisting with the transition to adulthood. In particular, students learn replacement behaviors to help them socialize more effectively.
The school recently opened a new, state-of-the-art facility, designed specifically for students with autism and other special needs. This facility includes rooms that provide multi-sensory stimulation through tools like fiber optics, and there are also culinary classrooms and a student-run coffee shop.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Pennsylvania
- The Timothy School, Berwyn
- Y.A.L.E School, Philadelphia
Private Schools for Autism in Rhode Island
The Wolf School is a school in East Providence for children aged between kindergarten and 8th grade who struggle in traditional learning environments. There are 74 students at the school, attending from both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Wolf School has dual approval from the Rhode Island Department of Education, as both an independent school and a special education program.
The school has a low teacher : student ratio, with a maximum of nine students per class in the Lower School and eleven in the Middle School. There is a lot of attention and support available for each child. Each classroom is staffed by a special education teacher, a speech and language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and teaching assistants, all of whom work collaboratively to deliver the best outcome for the students.
Wolf is known for its unique Immersion Model, which it’s been using to great effect for the last 30 years or so. This model combines three of the most important areas of learning for autistic students: language processing, sensory regulation, and socially effective communication. Staff work to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses in those areas and develop an individualized strategy for each student.
After-school programs include photography, karate and even a chef’s club. Additionally, sports such as cross-country, basketball, and track are available for middle school students, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and social skills.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Rhode Island
- Hamilton School At Wheeler, Providence
- The Spurwink School, Lincoln
Private Schools for Autism in Utah
Based in Salt Lake City, The Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning has earned national recognition for how it approaches educating students with autism. The center is a part of Valley Behavioral Health, a non-profit that offers a wide range of mental health and other behavioral services in Utah.
The core of the center’s approach is Applied Behavior Analysis, which is well supported by scientific research. The center’s team includes ABA-certified therapists and certified Behavioral Analysts who work closely with each child to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to their unique needs.
As well as providing ABA therapy, the center offers a range of services aimed at supporting both the children and their families. These include benefit checks, consultations, family support and training, and social skills development. There are also social events on offer like creative workshops, movie nights and even kickball.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Utah
- Kids World Academy, Taylorsville
- Fabian House, Lehi
Private Schools for Autism in Wisconsin
Kradwell School is a private school in Wauwatosa that educates students in grades 8–12 who have learning difficulties such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and OCD.
The curriculum at Kradwell includes a full range of academic subjects, such as English, math, science, and art. This enables students to graduate with a traditional high school diploma, if that’s what success looks like to them.
But, Kradwell’s approach to education is anything but traditional. Each school day includes four classes lasting an hour each, plus a study support session. There are small classes, with an average staff-to-student ratio of 6:1. All work is individualized, which allows students to move at their own pace.
Teachers at Kradwell place a particular emphasis on self-expression. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts on their curriculum, including choosing their writing assignments, class projects, and gym activities. This is a learning environment where critical thinking and questioning is strongly encouraged.
Outside class, students can engage in therapy sessions, working, volunteering, and pursuing social and recreational opportunities.
Other Schools for Students with Autism in Wisconsin
- Sonnenberg Schools, Racine
- Bloom360, Milwaukee
Additional Resources for Parents
- 6 Types of Alternative Schools in the USA
- Everything You Need to Know about Twice Exceptional Students
- ESA Approved List by State
