About | Special Education School | Austin Centers for Exceptional Students

Changing the world, one student at a time

Exceptional students can do exceptional things. At Austin Centers for Exceptional Students, our programs are designed to support students as they work to overcome their challenges, achieve their goals, and be the best they can be.

Every student deserves a fresh start

Since 1995, Austin Centers has offered special education services for students from ages 5-22. As a state-certified special education school, we create a learning environment that encourages positive behavior, sets clear expectations, and helps each student overcome their unique academic and personal struggles.

From the beginning, our mission has been to provide a world-class education for every student, and to help them discover and reach their fullest potential. For us, there is no greater success than watching a child progress, thrive, and learn to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Our goals for each student

While every student’s journey is unique, Austin Centers has three overarching goals that apply to each of our students.

Reduce inappropriate behaviors

and replace them with the social skills required to succeed in their public or charter school.

Increase academic proficiency

in all subject areas so that the student can successfully compete academically in their public or charter school.

Integrate the student

back into the public or charter school program as quickly as is beneficial to the student.

The Austin Centers difference

At Austin Centers, everything we do is centered around positive outcomes and student success.

Low student-staff ratios (3:1 on average)
Safe, highly structured learning environment
Advanced behavior tracking system to track a student’s behavioral progress in detail
Clear academic and behavioral goals set for each student
Clear exit criteria established for each student
Community opportunities to help students experience life outside the classroom
Transition pathways available for students who graduate and need to transition to an adult program
6 campuses, conveniently located around the Phoenix area, with more locations to come
Certified to serve students with a wide range of disabilities (see the full list here)
National Association of Special Education Teachers – School of Excellence award recipient (2017-2023)
Arizona’s Top Places to Work recipient (2023)
Recipient of The ASU President’s Medal for Social Embeddedness (Gilbert Campus, 2023)

“I admire the positive behavior supports that are the “backbone” of Austin Centers’ east campus. Your Principal and Psychologist are powerful participants in the education of emotionally & behaviorally challenged students.”