Arizona’s First Approved Autism Charter School for Elementary Students to Open in Phoenix This Fall

“The community event was our way to recognize all those who worked tirelessly to launch AZACS and to thank all the community volunteers who donated time and money to give our kids a much needed playground and get the school ready for opening day,” said Diana Diaz-Harrison, Arizona Autism Charter School founder and executive director.

The school had been without a playground, but with the help of the Dr. Pepper-Snapple Group and the Kaboom Foundation, Valley Leadership, Austin Commercial, American Express and many contractors who donated time and resources, the school raised about $35,000 to build a sensory playground. Funds are still needed to purchase a shade cover.

AZACS was founded by Diaz-Harrison, a mother who saw the need for children like her son Sammy. The mission of AZACS is to educate students with autism and related disorders using evidence-based strategies grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) delivered by highly trained teachers and staff. The driving force is to empower students with ASD to reach their full potential in motivating and engaging environments using individualized programs, so that each child gains the skills to integrate into the community and become a fulfilled, productive citizen.

About Arizona Autism Charter School
Arizona Autism Charter School, unanimously approved by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, is the first tuition-free, public charter school focused on the learning needs of students with autism. Start-up funding was made possible through generous grants from the Walton Family Foundation and the Arizona Charter Schools Program. Visit www.autismcharter.org to learn more.