Public vs Private School for Students with Autism or other Exceptionalities
As each school year begins, students start a new and exciting chapter, being introduced to new subjects, getting to know their teachers, and making new friends. These changes can be exciting and overwhelming for students, especially those with ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders.)
For many parents, the idea of having their student attend a public school can be appealing. The truth is that many parents of students with autism want their teen to fit in, be accepted, and understood. At the same time, parents recognize that their student has unique needs and requires a specialized education plan to succeed.
Many public schools intend to meet all student needs but fall short on the resources to cater to some students with autism or other exceptionalities.
Keeping your student in a public school can be detrimental to their long-term well-being if their individual needs are not met.
A positive school environment, acceptance by peers, making friends, attending dances, participating in clubs, discovering interests through electives, getting support with their social skills, and a customized education - all of these play a part in shaping your student's well-being.
Every teen deserves the chance to thrive, and every parent deserves an educational system that will support and adapt to their teen’s needs.
Right around the time students go back to school, parents usually sit down and contemplate their teen’s future. Are they happy at their current school? Are they on the path to gaining valuable life skills? Are they making friends or getting bullied? Now is the time to answer these questions, to ensure that their teen is set up for success.
What type of environment allows exceptional students to thrive?
Teens with autism work best when treated as unique individuals in a setting that encourages them to develop their strengths.
Groups teens by ability, not age
Choose small class sizes
Programs are customized to meet each student’s ability level
Creates social clubs and activities, allowing students to connect and make friends
Here at PS Academy we see past the label and focus on the able. What does this mean? It means that we do not consider a diagnosis a definition. Autism, Aspergers, ADHD - these are labels. What is relevant? It's the unique capabilities and interests our students possess. Students shine when they discover their true abilities on their own and can put them into practice in a safe and accepting environment.
Questions a Private School Should Ask
At PS Academy, we ask several questions to understand your student and their needs.
How can we maximize your students' strengths to let their true potential shine? What educational plan is best for them, and how can we support them most effectively? How can we create an environment where they will make friends, fit in, and discover their interests through different clubs and electives like rocketry, girl power, and more? How can we help them realize their unique interests, passions, and skills and help them understand how they can put those to practice after high school? These are all things we are focused on.
Do not just take our word for it - have a look at our parent testimonials.
What happens after high school?
All parents have concerns, hopes, and aspirations for their students. What happens after high school? Students deserve to be prepared for the "real world" and all that it entails.
PS Academy has an amazing transition program called Lyfe Launch. Lyfe Launch is a comprehensive transition program that is made up of three main components:
Our newly installed PAES Lab allows students to become “employees” and teachers to become “employers” as we use this lab to assess a student's competitive work potential and interest level, while simultaneously exploring various jobs, using real tools, and developing proper work behaviors in the following five areas: Construction/ Industrial, Consumer/ Service, Computer Technology, Processing/ Production, and Business/ Marketing.
Weekly community outings allow students to explore a variety of businesses in person with the goal of internship or future employment. These outings also allow students to hone many daily living skills including accessing public transportation, retail shopping at a big box or grocery store, and finding entertainment spots.
Students participate in classes such as “Lyfe 101” and Personal Finance to further increase knowledge and independence.
What about funding?
Many people hear the words' private school' and immediately think it will be a financial burden. There are funding options, including free tuition programs and scholarships available for your student with autism or other exceptionalities. For more information, we have created a free downloadable guide on qualifying for free tuition or scholarships, which you can find here or below.
If you would like to learn more about how PS Academy can help your student thrive, we are here to help guide you and your family on this journey! Get in touch with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Did you know that 95% of our students have their tuition completely covered by the government?
Yes, in the state of Arizona, there are two primary sources for funding your student's education: ESA & STOs.
Download this guide to find out if your student qualifies for free tuition.