Ignite Achievement Academy offers comprehensive educational programs for students with autism spectrum disorder in the Arlington neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. Our North Charlotte campus, conveniently located near Arlington at 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd., provides specialized instruction in a supportive environment designed to meet the unique needs of students with autism and other learning barriers.

Serving the Arlington Community with Excellence

Located in the 28213 zip code area, our North Charlotte campus is readily accessible to families in Arlington and surrounding neighborhoods. We provide specialized autism education programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with a focus on individualized instruction, small class sizes, and research-based teaching methods.

Our Approach to Autism Education

At Ignite Achievement Academy, we believe that every student with autism has unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Our approach to special education in Arlington Charlotte combines structured teaching methods with personalized attention to help each student reach their full potential.

Individualized Academic Plans

Every student at our Arlington-serving campus receives an individualized academic plan that:

• Identifies current skill levels across multiple domains
• Determines specific learning barriers and challenges
• Outlines appropriate curricula and teaching methods
• Specifies necessary accommodations and modifications
• Sets measurable goals for academic and social progress
• Details the intensity of instruction needed in various skill areas

Small Class Sizes and Supportive Environment

Our private school autism programs in Arlington Charlotte feature:

• Maximum of 6 students per typical classroom
• BEACON program classes with approximately 4 students
• One-to-one instruction for specific skill development
• Teaching assistants providing additional support
• Low student-to-teacher ratios throughout the school day

Research-Based Teaching Methods

Our autism education approach in the 28213 area incorporates:

• Structured teaching methods with clear routines
• Visual supports and schedules
• Multisensory instruction techniques
• Explicit instruction in social skills
• Positive behavior support strategies
• Opportunities for applied learning and skill generalization

Specialized Autism Programs at Our North Charlotte Campus

Our North Charlotte campus, serving the Arlington community, offers specialized programs designed to support students with autism and related challenges.

BEACON Program for Students with Autism

Our BEACON program, exclusively available at our North Charlotte campus near Arlington, is specifically designed to support students with autism spectrum disorder who may have speech/language challenges or behavioral needs. This program features:

1. Ultra-Small Class Sizes: With approximately 4 students per teacher, each child receives intensive individualized attention.
2. Integrated Speech-Language Support: A speech-language pathologist co-teaches alongside classroom teachers during direct instruction periods, providing continuous speech and language support.
3. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): We support students who use AAC devices with curriculum specifically designed to incorporate these communication tools throughout the school day.
4. Sensory-Friendly Environment: Our campus includes a dedicated sensory room designed to provide calming and regulating experiences for students with sensory processing differences.
5. Behavioral Support: Structured teaching methods and positive behavior supports help students develop self-regulation skills and appropriate social behaviors.
6. Inclusive Participation: Students in the BEACON program participate fully in school activities including cooking, woodshop (age-appropriate), physical education, music, and art classes.

Comprehensive K-12 Autism Education

For students with autism who don't require the intensive supports of the BEACON program, we offer our comprehensive K-12 education program, which includes:

• Small class sizes (typically 6 students per class)
• One-to-one instruction for specific skill development
• Structured daily routines from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Curriculum tailored to individual learning styles
• Regular assessment and adjustment of teaching strategies
• Emphasis on both academic and social skills development

Get to know our teachers and staff here.

Curriculum for Students with Autism

Our Arlington autism programs utilize specialized curricula designed to address the unique learning needs of students with autism spectrum disorder.

Academic Curriculum

• enCORE: A comprehensive cross-curricular program covering math, language arts, science, and social studies at multiple levels. This curriculum includes direct components for AAC usage, hands-on learning, and literature at different levels.
• Manus Curriculum: Specially written to address students with learning barriers, covering foundations through high school level in mathematics, grammar, writing, spelling, reading, fluency, and phonics.
• SPIRE: Explicit, teacher-led multisensory instruction based on the science of reading, which is particularly effective for many students with autism.

Social Skills Development

Our curriculum includes explicit instruction in social skills, including:

• Understanding social cues and expectations
• Developing conversational skills
• Building friendships and relationships
• Interpreting nonverbal communication
• Managing emotions in social situations
• Practicing appropriate behavior in different settings

Life Skills Training

For students who need emphasis on practical skills, our curriculum incorporates:

• Self-care and personal hygiene
• Time management and organization
• Basic cooking and nutrition
• Community navigation
• Safety awareness
• Communication in real-world settings

Campus Features Supporting Students with Autism

Our North Charlotte campus offers several features specifically designed to support students with autism spectrum disorder.

Sensory Room

Our dedicated sensory room provides a space for sensory regulation and includes:

• Soft lighting options
• Flexible and comfortable seating
• Quiet spaces and "nooks"
• Beanbag chairs
• Bubble tubes and balance equipment
• Sensory swings
• Lighting projector for various patterns
• Weighted lap pads
• Various sensory activities in organized bins

Structured Learning Environments

Our classrooms are designed to minimize distractions and support focused learning:

• Clear visual boundaries
• Organized materials
• Predictable layouts
• Individual and group work areas
• Visual schedules and supports
• Calming color schemes
• Flexible seating options

Technology Integration

Students benefit from:

• 1:1 laptops or iPads
• Support for AAC devices
• Technology as a supplement to traditional learning
• Digital literacy skill development

A Day in the Life at Ignite Achievement Academy

For students with autism in our Arlington-serving programs, a typical day includes:

Morning Routine (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Arrival and structured morning meeting
• Core academic instruction in small groups
• Individual skill-building sessions
• Movement breaks and sensory activities as needed
• Structured social interactions with peers

Afternoon Schedule (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

• Lunch in a supportive environment
• Structured recess with social skills practice
• Continued academic instruction
• Specials (art, music, PE, applied learning)
• Afternoon wrap-up and preparation for dismissal

Friday Special Schedule

Fridays include:

• Physical education
• Art and music
• Applied science or social studies
• Crafts and hands-on learning
• Character education
• "Fun Friday" activities

Support Services for Students with Autism

Speech and Language Support

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

• Integrate into classrooms to provide speech services throughout the day
• Work with non-speaking or limited-speaking students
• Support the use of AAC devices
• Address pragmatic language and social communication skills
• Collaborate with teachers to implement communication strategies across settings

Additional Therapy Options

While maintaining our focus on educational services, our campus offers:

• Potential for on-site occupational and physical therapy during school hours (contact us for current availability)
• After-school therapy options at additional cost
• Collaboration with families' external therapy providers

Is Ignite Achievement Academy right for you? Discover more here.

Admissions Process

Is Ignite Academy Right for Your Child?

Our Arlington autism programs may be the right fit if your child:

• Has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
• Needs both customized instruction and a customized environment
• Benefits from small group settings and individual attention
• Requires specialized support but does not exhibit violent behaviors
• Would thrive in a structured, supportive educational setting

Steps to Enrollment

Our admissions process includes:

1. Initial parent meeting and campus tour
2. Submission of admissions application
3. Records request from previous schools
4. Possible student shadow day
5. Placement assessment and instructional plan development

Read testimonials from our students and their parents here.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition Information

• Annual tuition: $26,750 for standard programs
• BEACON Program: $31,500 annually (reflects additional staffing and resources)

Financial Aid Options

North Carolina residents may qualify for:

• NC Opportunity Scholarship Program: Provides $3,000-$7,000 based on household income
• Education Student Accounts (ESA+): Awards $9,000 or $17,000 depending on the child's disability

Many families combine these scholarships to significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you address communication challenges for students with autism?

For students with autism who have communication challenges, we utilize a variety of strategies including visual support, social stories, structured language instruction, and support for AAC devices. Our BEACON program includes integrated speech-language therapy throughout the school day, with SLPs working alongside teachers in the classroom for students who need this level of support.

2. How do you handle sensory sensitivities in the classroom?

Our classrooms are designed with sensory needs in mind, with options for flexible seating, reduced visual clutter, and noise-minimizing features. Students have access to sensory tools and breaks as needed, and our dedicated sensory room provides a space for sensory regulation. Staff are trained to recognize signs of sensory overload and implement appropriate accommodations.

3. What social skills support do you provide for students with autism?

Social skills are taught explicitly through direct instruction, modeling, role play, and guided practice in authentic situations. We incorporate social skills training throughout the school day, using natural opportunities to practice skills like conversation, turn-taking, perspective-taking, and problem-solving. Visual support and social stories are used to reinforce these concepts.

4. Do students with autism interact with neurotypical peers?

Our school specifically serves students with learning barriers, including autism. While we don't typically have developing peers in our classrooms, we foster a community where students with different strengths and challenges interact with and learn from each other. Community-based instruction and field trips also provide opportunities for interaction in the wider community.

5. How do you prepare older students with autism for life after high school?

Our high school program incorporates transition planning based on each student's goals and abilities. For students who are not traditionally college-bound, our FLAME program focuses on functional skills, vocational preparation, and independent living skills. For college-bound students, we provide support with executive functioning, self-advocacy, and academic preparation.

Take the Next Step

Discover how Ignite Achievement Academy's autism programs can provide the specialized education your child needs to thrive academically and socially. Our North Charlotte campus serves the Arlington community with comprehensive programs for students with autism in a supportive, structured environment.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of our Henderson Circle campus and learn more about our approach to special education in North Charlotte.