Every neurodivergent child has a unique way of seeing the world, and at Autism Journey Academy, we honor that truth and celebrate it every single day.
We are a specialized school that supports children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental differences through compassionate, individualized education. Our academy provides a nurturing, structured, and inclusive learning environment for children from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Students with ASD have distinct learning styles, communication preferences, and social-emotional needs. At Autism Journey Academy, we offer a space where your child is truly seen, heard, and empowered in a way that honors who they are.
Whether your child is just starting their academic journey or you’re looking to move to a school that truly understands their needs, we are here to help.
At Autism Journey Academy, everything we do begins with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the chance to succeed, on their own terms, in their own time, and with the right support.
Our mission is to empower students to navigate their unique educational journeys with confidence, compassion, and success. We provide individualized, evidence-based programs and a deeply supportive environment to help each student grow, learn, and thrive at a pace that’s right for them.
We are committed to nurturing a sense of belonging, independence, and achievement in every student. We know that family plays an essential role in every child’s development. That’s why we partner closely with parents and caregivers, working as a team to support every student’s progress, both in and out of the classroom.
Our vision at Autism Journey Academy is to be a leading school where every neurodivergent student is empowered to unlock their full potential. Here, students are not only understood but celebrated, and families and educators work together to support meaningful relationships and personal growth.
At Autism Journey Academy, we believe meaningful learning begins with seeing each student as a whole person.
We recognize children not just by their challenges, but through their strengths, interests, and potential. Our educational philosophy embraces a personalized, holistic approach that adapts to each child’s unique learning style and developmental needs.
We use proven strategies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) paired with a student-centered teaching model like The CMS Approach™.
ABA breaks down learning components into manageable steps and celebrates each step of progress along the way, helping students build skills and confidence over time. The CMS Approach™ takes this a step further by giving educators structured tools to apply those same ABA principles in the classroom and support meaningful, lasting growth.
We also place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, helping students express their feelings, form positive relationships, and grow in self-awareness and resilience. Together, these approaches create an environment where students feel supported to succeed in their own way.
Our classrooms are more than just academic spaces. They are safe, engaging, and nurturing environments where students are encouraged to explore, connect, and grow. Our educators and specialists work together to meet each student where they are and support their progress with patience, purpose, and care.
Our core values serve as guiding principles that shape our actions, decisions, and interactions both inside and outside the classroom.
At Autism Journey Academy, these values are not just words on a page, they are promises we live by.
Our founder, Donna M. Neill, MS, ITDS, L-BCBA, is the driving force behind Autism Journey Academy. She is a visionary educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) whose work has empowered countless students, families, and educators.
Throughout her career, Donna has been a problem-solver, program developer, and advocate for neurodiverse learners. She has spent her career designing learning environments that are structured, supportive, and personalized.
She continues to lead Autism Journey Academy with the same passion, innovation, and unwavering belief that inspired its founding. Through her leadership, AJA remains a place where learning is transformative, and every journey is honored.
At Autism Journey Academy, we embrace neurodiversity and recognize the incredible strengths each learner brings into the classroom. Our academy provides a space where growth happens every day, where differences are embraced, and where learning is truly personalized.
If you are looking for a school that will honor your child’s individuality and needs and support their full potential, we invite you to be part of our community.
Enrollment is now open!
We accept Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds. Our team is happy to assist families with the ESA application process to make tuition more accessible.
To get started, please call us today or schedule a pre-enrollment discussion.
