Are you ready to take the first step with Autism Journey Academy (AJA)?
Enrollment is now open for the new school year! Our school application process is simple and straightforward. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you are just beginning to explore educational options, we are here to help.
Our team will walk beside you, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping you discover how AJA may be the right fit for your child.
We understand that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Autism Journey Academy provides a supportive, individualized educational environment where your child can thrive, grow, and feel understood. Let’s get started!
Enrollment is now open, and we are here to make the process simple, supportive, and stress-free. Below is our step-by-step guide on enrolling your child in Autism Journey Academy.
Start by filling out our Interest Form to schedule a pre-enrollment meeting with us. The form helps us get to know a little more about your family and offers a chance to send us any initial questions you may have.
Once your pre-enrollment discussion is through, we will walk you through completing the official Enrollment Form. This includes basic forms and any supporting documents you may have for your child. This can include developmental evaluations, school reports, and medical assessments.
Next, we will meet with you to explore your child’s strengths, interests, and support needs, and discuss your goals for their development in detail.
Our team conducts an individualized student assessment to better understand your child’s academic and behavioral profile and support requirements. This may include observations or evaluations from specialists, such as behavior analysts or therapists. These insights help us prepare the right plan for your child from day one.
If you already know that your child will need ABA therapy, fill out our ABA Therapy Intake Form. These insights help us prepare the right plan for your child from day one.
After this evaluation, we will invite you and your child to tour our campus and meet our team in person. We will schedule the best day for this with you. During this visit, we’ll also work together to create a thoughtful transition plan that helps your child feel safe, welcomed, and ready to join the AJA community.
Once evaluations and transition planning are complete, you will receive a formal acceptance letter. Our team will provide details on tuition fees, insurance coverage, payment schedules, scholarship opportunities, and financial assistance (whenever applicable).
We will also have a person available to walk you through the application of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds.
Our team will develop two personalized support plans to guide your child’s success:
At this point, we ensure all therapy and support resources are in place. You will also receive detailed information on the daily timetable and all safety measures taken for your child’s emotional and physical well-being.
Our relationship with your family jumps-starts at enrollment. We provide regular check-ins, share updates on your child’s progress, and maintain an open line of communication with you, the parents. Your voice matters and is crucial to your child’s success. We are honored to walk alongside you as your child grows and thrives.
Below is a list of helpful items to prepare when you are ready to apply. However, please do not worry if you do not have everything yet. Our team can guide you through every step.
Diagnosis or Evaluation Reports (if available)
Previous IEP or 504 Plan (if applicable)
If your child has had an Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan in a previous school, we will need those documents. Sharing this helps us understand your child’s current goals, accommodations, and support.
Immunization Records
As required by state regulations, we may need your child’s most recent immunization documentation.
Current Educational Placement or School Records (if transferring)
These records help us understand your child’s academic history and identify any patterns of progress or challenges.
Emergency Contact Information
Please be prepared to share at least two emergency contacts in case we need to reach you during the school day.
Additional Notes You’d Like to Share
Feel free to include any personal notes, questions, or goals you have for your child’s education.
Do not worry if you do not have these documents right away. Just let us know, and our team will guide you through what is needed and when.
To begin the enrollment process, simply fill out the form below. Once you submit the form, our team will contact you to schedule a pre-enrollment meeting.
Autism Journey Academy accepts Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds through the Arizona Department of Education. This program can significantly reduce or fully cover your child’s tuition, making quality education more accessible to families of children with autism.
For a complete overview of how the ESA program works, including eligibility, timelines, and documentation, you can download our helpful ESA Parent Informational Enrollment Handbook below.
If you are considering enrollment at AJA and need support with tuition, applying for an ESA could be the perfect solution.
Applying for an Empowerment Scholarship Account is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step overview to help you get started with the ESA funds application.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
To qualify for ESA, your child must:
Note: If your child has a recent autism diagnosis but no public school documentation, you may need an independent educational evaluation from a qualified examiner.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready before applying:
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Visit the Arizona Department of Education's ESA portal to apply: https://www.azed.gov/esa
The application process is online and can be completed at any time.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Arizona Department of Education. Processing usually takes up to 30 days.
You will be notified once approved.
Step 5: Understand Your Funding
The ESA funding amount varies based on your child's diagnosis and severity level. Many students with autism can be awarded between $30,000 and $43,000 annually, depending on their specific needs.
Our team can assist you with the ESA application process and answer any questions you may have along the way. We are committed to helping families take advantage of this powerful program.
To help us support your ESA documentation and service planning, please complete the AJA Enrollment Form below. This form is to gather important background information about your child and help us assist with ESA documentation and behavioral services planning.
If you have any questions about the enrollment process or would like more information about Autism Journey Academy, our team is here to help. We know how important this decision is, and we are committed to supporting you.
You can reach us by phone or simply fill out the contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.
