Ignite Achievement Academy offers comprehensive educational programs specifically designed for students with autism spectrum disorder and other learning barriers in the Highland Creek area of Charlotte, NC. Our North Charlotte campus provides a nurturing, structured environment where students with autism can develop academic skills, improve social interactions, and build confidence for their future.

Located at 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269 (in the southeasternmost building on the campus, accessed via Brookstone Drive), our school is conveniently accessible to families in Highland Creek and surrounding Northeast Charlotte communities.

Understanding Our Approach to Autism Education

At Ignite Achievement Academy, we believe that students with autism can thrive academically and socially when provided with the right educational environment, appropriate teaching methods, and individualized support. Our specialized programsaddress the unique challenges faced by students with autism while building on their strengths and interests.

The Ignite Achievement Academy Difference 

What makes our approach effective for students with autism?

• Small Class Sizes: Maximum of six students per classroom, with even smaller ratios in our specialized BEACON program
• Individualized Academic Plans: Tailored to each student's specific needs, learning style, and goals
• Structured, Predictable Environment: Consistent routines that reduce anxiety and support learning
• Multi-Sensory Teaching Methods: Engaging multiple learning pathways for better comprehension and retention
• Social Skills Development: Integrated throughout the curriculum and school day
• Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Including a dedicated sensory room at our North Charlotte campus

Our Specialized Autism Programs Near Highland Creek

BEACON Program

Our BEACON program is specifically designed to serve students with autism who have speech/language challenges and/or behavioral needs. This program features:

• Extremely small class sizes (averaging four students per teacher)
• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) co-teaching in speech classrooms
• Continuous speech instruction and services throughout the day
• Closer monitoring of behavioral strategies
• Hands-on curriculum and sensory experiences
• Support for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
• Full participation in school activities including cooking, woodshop, PE, music, and art

Standard Academic Program

Our standard program also serves many students with autism spectrum disorder who may not require the intensive level of support provided in the BEACON program. This program includes:

1. Core Academic Instruction: English, math, science, and social studies aligned with state standards but adapted for individual learning needs
2. Skill-Building Support: One-to-one and small group instruction targeting specific areas of challenge
3. Executive Functioning Training: Organization, time management, and planning skills
4. Social Skills Development: Structured opportunities to practice appropriate social interactions
5. Enrichment Activities: Including physical education, art, music, and applied learning

Curriculum and Teaching Approaches for Students with Autism

Evidence-Based Teaching Methods

At our Highland Creek area campus, we employ research-based teaching strategies that have proven effective for students with autism:

• Visual Supports: Schedules, instructional cues, and environmental labels
• Direct Instruction: Clear, explicit teaching of concepts and skills
• Applied Behavior Analysis Principles: Positive reinforcement of target behaviors
• Social Stories and Role-Playing: Teaching social expectations and responses
• Technology Integration: Using appropriate digital tools to enhance learning

Specialized Curriculum Resources

Our North Charlotte campus utilizes several curriculum resources specifically designed or adapted for students with autism:

• enCORE: A comprehensive core curriculum covering math, language arts, science, and social studies with direct components for AAC usage, hands-on activities, and literature at different levels
• SPIRE: Explicit, teacher-led multisensory instruction based on the science of reading
• Social Thinking Curriculum: Developing social awareness and interaction skills
• Executive Functioning Curriculum: Building organizational and self-regulation skills
• Life Skills Curriculum: Practical skills for independence (especially in our FLAME program for high school students)

Campus Features Supporting Students with Autism

Sensory-Friendly Environment

Our North Charlotte campus includes features specifically designed to support students with sensory processing differences common in autism:

• Dedicated Sensory Room: A large space equipped with:
  • Soft lighting options
  • Flexible and comfortable seating
  • Tents and 'nooks' for quiet retreats
  • Beanbag chairs and weighted items
  • Bubble tubes and other visual stimuli
  • Balance stones and therapy balls
  • Sensory swings
  • Projector for various patterns or stars
  • Flowing water fountain
  • Multiple bins with assorted sensory activities
• Classroom Accommodations:
  • Reduced visual clutter
  • Flexible seating options
  • Noise-reducing headphones available
  • Visual schedules and boundaries
  • Calming corners in each classroom

Technology Support

All students at our North Charlotte campus receive:

• 1:1 Technology: Either a laptop or iPad (depending on age and ability)
• Access to assistive technology as needed
• Support for AAC devices for non-speaking/limited-speaking students
• Educational apps aligned with their individual learning goals

Daily Schedule and Routine

Structured School Day

For students with autism, predictability and routine are essential. Our school day runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a consistent structure that includes:

• Morning arrival routines
• Core academic instruction
• Pull-out sessions for individualized support
• Lunch in a supported environment
• Structured recess
• Afternoon academics and enrichment
• End-of-day wrap-up and preparation for transition

Special Friday Activities

On Fridays, our schedule includes:

• Physical education
• Art and music
• Applied science or social studies
• Crafts
• Character education
• Fun Friday activities

Students earn Fun Friday time throughout the week in increments of 10 minutes, providing motivation and positive reinforcement for meeting behavioral and academic expectations.

Applied Learning Opportunities

Students with autism often benefit from practical, hands-on learning experiences that connect academic concepts to real-world applications. Our applied learning program includes:

Cooking and Nutrition

During cooking and nutrition classes, students learn about:

• Following sequential steps in recipes
• Measuring and mixing (practical math skills)
• Food safety and kitchen tool usage
• Nutrition concepts
• Social interactions during meal preparation and sharing

Garden Science

In our garden science program, students:

• Plant and maintain fall and spring vegetable gardens
• Learn about plant structure, function, and life cycles
• Practice fine and gross motor skills
• Experience sensory input through gardening activities
• Harvest vegetables to use in cooking classes

Shop Class and Crafts

These programs help students develop:

• Following multi-step directions
• Fine motor coordination
• Safety awareness
• Pride in completed projects
• Practical application of measurement and design concepts

Support Services for Families

On-Site Therapy Services

Our North Charlotte campus employs licensed Speech-Language Pathologists who:

• Integrate into classrooms during direct instruction periods
• Provide continuous speech instruction and services
• Offer specialized support for AAC devices
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers

Additional services available or potentially available include:

• After-school speech therapy options
• Potential for OT and PT services (contact us to discuss specific needs)

Parent Communication and Support

We believe that collaboration between home and school is essential for student success. Families receive:

• Weekly progress reports
• Regular phone conversations with teachers
• Quarterly face-to-face meetings
• Additional meetings as needed
• Guidance on reinforcing skills at home
• Parent education opportunities

Financial Aid 

North Carolina Scholarship Programs

Families of students with autism may qualify for state financial aid programs:

ESA+ (Education Student Accounts)

• Awards scholarships of $9,000 or $17,000 depending on the child's disability
• Applications available online February 1st
• Deadline for priority consideration is March 1st
• Requires Eligibility Determination Form from a NC Public School

Opportunity Scholarship Program

• Provides annual scholarships for tuition and fees
• Amount based on household income (approximately $3,000-$7,000)
• Can be combined with ESA+ for greater tuition coverage
• Applications available February 1st

These scholarship programs can substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses. 

Our Approach to Building Student Success

Fostering Resilience

At Ignite Achievement Academy, we create an environment that helps students with autism develop the resilience needed to overcome challenges:

• Building "islands of competence" where students experience success
• Developing self-awareness about strengths and challenges
• Promoting a growth mindset
• Teaching problem-solving strategies
• Providing consistent emotional support
• Celebrating progress and achievements

The Four-Step Academic Process

Our systematic approach ensures that students receive appropriate instruction:

1. Assessment: Determining current achievement levels in various skills
2. Analysis: Identifying the root causes of learning challenges
3. Implementation: Delivering customized instruction with appropriate accommodations
4. Monitoring: Continuously tracking progress and adjusting the approach as needed

This process allows us to provide targeted support for the specific challenges associated with autism while building on each student's unique strengths.

Admissions Process 

Is Ignite Achievement Academy Right for Your Child?

Our school is designed for students with learning barriers, including autism spectrum disorder, who have struggled to succeed in traditional educational environments. We serve students who need:

• Smaller class sizes
• More individualized attention
• Structured, predictable routines
• Specific accommodations for learning differences
• Social skills support
• Sensory-friendly environments

Steps to Enrollment

1. Initial Parent Meeting: Tour the school and discuss your child's needs
2. Application Submission: Complete our admissions application
3. Records Review: We'll request information from previous schools
4. Student Visit: Arrange a potential "shadow day" for your child
5. Assessment: Determine appropriate placement and develop an instructional plan

Note: We are unable to accept students with violent behavior.

Serving the Northeast Charlotte Community

Our North Charlotte campus is conveniently located for families in Highland Creek and surrounding neighborhoods including:

• Mallard Creek
• Prosperity Church
• Davis Lake
• Northlake
• Eastfield
• University City
• Concord Mills
• Harrisburg
• University Research Park

Transportation Options

While daily transportation to and from school is the responsibility of families, our location at 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd. makes us accessible to Highland Creek residents. Transportation is provided for school field trips and community-based experiences.

School Accreditation and Qualifications

Ignite Achievement Academy is a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and its parent company, COGNIA (formerly AdvancED). This accreditation ensures we meet the highest standards for:

• Instruction
• Data collection and analysis
• Stakeholder communication
• Assessment
• Goal-setting
• Professional development

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What age groups does Ignite Achievement Academy serve?

We serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) who have learning barriers, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and depression.

2. Where is your North Charlotte campus located?

Our campus is at 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269 (southeasternmost building, accessed via Brookstone Drive), convenient for Tryon Hills families.

3. What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

We maintain small class sizes with a maximum of six students per class in our standard program and about four students per teacher in our BEACON program.

4. What specialized programs do you offer?

Our North Charlotte campus offers the BEACON program for students with speech/behavioral disabilities and the FLAME program for high school students focusing on life skills and job readiness.

5. What is the tuition?

You can see a full schedule of our tuition and fees here.

6. Are financial aid options available?

Yes, North Carolina offers the ESA+ program ($9,000-$17,000 depending on disability) and the Opportunity Scholarship Program ($3,000-$7,000 based on income). These can be combined to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Take the Next Step for Your Child's Educational Success

At Ignite Achievement Academy, we're committed to helping students with autism and other learning barriers achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Our specialized programs near Highland Creek provide the structure, support, and individualized approach that can make a significant difference in your child's educational journey.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your child with autism spectrum disorder thrive in our supportive educational environment.