K-12 School
1:1 student-teacher ratio. ABA-based curriculum. Arizona Department of Education approved.
1:1
Student-Teacher Ratio
K-12
All Grades Served
Year-Round
Rolling Enrollment
AZ Approved
Dept of Education
Built for How Your Child Learns
ASCEND's program is designed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, speech and language disorders, and challenging behaviors. An autism diagnosis is not required to attend. We serve a wide range of learners. We accept students grades K-12 and help them develop language skills, academic experience, self-help, and leisure skills.
Our program is structured on ABA Applied Behavior Analysis, a proven, evidence-based approach to understanding and improving behavior principles, a proven, evidence-based approach that breaks learning into manageable steps and reinforces positive progress. Every student gets direct, one-on-one instruction from a dedicated teacher.
Each day includes two hours of formal 1:1 learning sessions where students work one-on-one with their aide on targeted goals. During the rest of the day, aides continue incidental teaching as students experience the routine school day, reinforcing skills naturally throughout every activity.
We encourage families to meet with us to discuss the very individualized needs of their loved ones on all levels of the spectrum.
Curriculum
Four Pathways. One Goal.
Every student's curriculum is tailored to their abilities, interests, and goals. We meet each individual where they are.
Academic
Core academic instruction adapted to individual learning styles. Reading, math, science, and social studies delivered through structured, ABA-based methods with continuous assessment.
Vocational
Career exploration and job training. Students gain real-world experience in administrative, culinary, and retail settings, both on campus and in the community.
Functional Vocational
Practical life skills integrated with vocational training. For students who benefit from hands-on learning focused on daily independence and community participation.
Life Skills
Building independence through self-help, communication, social interaction, and leisure skills. Helping every student build toward the life they're capable of.
Therapies & Support
Support Built Into Every Day
Therapy isn't a separate appointment here. It's part of the school day, on-site, from the people who already know your child.
Occupational Therapy
Weekly OT with sensory integration, plus an individual sensory diet for each student to help them stay regulated and ready to learn.
Speech & Language Therapy
Every student works on communication, whether that's spoken language, social language, or another way to be heard.
Behavior Support
A yearly BCBA evaluation and an individual behavior plan for each student, so support is based on real data and reviewed as they grow.
Assistive Technology
Students who need another way to communicate use tools like iPads with Proloquo, so every child can make themselves understood.
Tuition & Enrollment
Good news for families:
It is likely you will not have to pay tuition from your personal funds. Through Arizona's ESA program, families of students in the autism category can receive funding that often covers the full cost of tuition at ASCEND.
We offer rolling admissions year-round. There's no need to wait for a school year to start.
"We were thrilled when ASCEND opened its doors and my youngest daughter with an Autism diagnosis was finally able to receive an education appropriate to her needs and abilities."
ASCEND Parent, Private School Review
Life at ASCEND School
Ready to Learn More?
We'd love to meet your family and show you what individualized education looks like at ASCEND.
Contact Us About Enrollment