Autism Schools in Colorado and Utah

The Joshua School, Carmen B. Pingree, and Spectrum Academy

Aug 2, 2009 Melissa Hincha-Ownby

There are several private and charter autism schools in Colorado and Utah that are dedicated to meeting the individualized educational needs of children with autism.

Autism prevalence rates are rising in the United States. The most recent data from the CDC shows that 1 in 150 children in the nation is identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is truly a spectrum of abilities and disabilities and as such, children identified on being on the autism spectrum have a vast range of educational needs.

The public school system educates many children on the spectrum, but autism-specific educational settings are becoming a more popular choice among parents. Both private and charter schools dedicated to the unique educational needs of individuals on the autism spectrum are valid alternatives to the local public school.

The Joshua School – Colorado

The Joshua School, located in Englewood, Colorado, is named after a student in a public school autism classroom that passed away in the spring of 2002. After his death, six educators took their passion for educating children with autism and other developmental disabilities and opened the doors of The Joshua School in October 2005. The teachers were so passionate about their new school that they took a drastically reduced salary in order to keep the doors open.

“Starting with three teachers receiving 15% of their salaries and gradually increasing to nine teachers, it took two complete school years to reach a place of financial stability. In the summer of 2007, staff received their first full paychecks and The Joshua School was on its way.” Source: The Joshua School

Students at the school range in age from 2 ½ to 21 years of age. The Joshua School accepts both public and private placement and uses ABA, occupational therapy, music therapy, speech therapy, and more to meet the individual needs of its students.

For questions about the school's programs, call (303) 758-7171.

Carmen B. Pingree Center for Children with Autism - Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Carmen B. Pingree Center for Children with Autism serves children in preschool, elementary, and secondary grades. In order to better meet the needs of the children that attend the school, an 11-month school year is used. Students in preschool and kindergarten attend for a full day Monday through Thursday. Elementary and secondary students attend full day Monday through Thursday and half day on Fridays during the main school year. All students are on a half-day schedule during the summer session.

The Carmen B. Pingree Center for Children with Autism is a private educational institution. The preschool program is free of charge for children with Medicaid funding. Tuition for the elementary and secondary grades is $28,500 per school year. Limited scholarships are available and every child accepted into the program is considered for a scholarship.

For more information, contact the school directly at (801) 581-0194.

Spectrum Academy - Utah

Spectrum Academy is a charter school designed to meet the needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. The school is located in North Salt Lake and educates approximately 150 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Placement in the school is determined by a lottery system. For more information, contact Spectrum Academy at (801) 936-0318.

While autism-specific schools may not be the least restrictive environment, as defined by IDEA, for all children on the autism spectrum, they are a great alternative to the public school setting for the children being educated there.

The copyright of the article Autism Schools in Colorado and Utah in Autism/Asperger's Syndrome is owned by Melissa Hincha-Ownby. Permission to republish Autism Schools in Colorado and Utah in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Private Autism Schools an Option.