PHOENIX — With colorful backpacks hanging along the hallways, this north Phoenix school has the feel of most others as Arizona kids head back to classes after a summer break.

Yet, this place is quite special for students with special needs.

Welcome to the Autism Academy for Education & Development.

"One of the reasons why we started is to really give our students a place to grow socially, academically, and behaviorally, and we really focus on those things," said Executive Director Shannon Mitchell.

Mitchell said Autism Academy is also a place where children with social and communication disorders can learn academics in small, tailored classrooms while also learning music and life skills. Students also compete in sports and have social events—such as proms.

Above all else, students are

See Full Page