Best Special Education School Tucson Near Me

4worldlovers: Most of our students have a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, Learning Disability, OHI, or other Sensory Processing Disorders. An Abbie education offers flexibility, specialized instruction, and what you and I both want, to be loved, valued and accepted for who we are.

Every student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), prepared by a specialist that is reviewed annually. At Abbie, we work to prepare students for what comes next, whether that is a return to public school, preparation for college, or career.

The Abbie School maintains a maximum 8:1 student staff ratio. Small classes allow students to have a rich classroom experience, benefit from differentiated instruction, and obtain the assistance they need to be successful. We feel this is critical to be successful.

Abbie School's focus is giving equal value to academic work as well as to honing the social skills necessary to be successful. An Abbie education offers flexibility and specialized instruction with an array of electives and life skills to help ensure self-sufficiency, and independence.

All students are taught the standard classes of Science, Math, and English.

Our teachers are committed to creating a foundation for social growth.


Our mission is to provide children with individual academic needs, an education worthy of their potential. We provide a specialized education based on innovative and research-proven techniques in a sensory sensitive and accepting environment. We endeavor to maximize potential and build confidence by drawing on strengths, interests, and by giving students the opportunity to be valued for their individuality.


This is our son’s first year at Abbie School. This has also been the first educational experience that our child has had where we are certain his needs are being met. He is 12 years old. We have moved our home multiple times to live in the “best” public school districts only to be disappointed time and time again. Class sizes of 30 children and lack of quality special education training made it very easy for him to get left behind. True inclusion means meeting a child where they are at in the least restrictive environment and Abbie has done that for our son. Each teacher, staff member and administrator that our child interacts with has his best interest at heart. Any question or concern that we have had as a family has been met with care and concern. Somehow Abbie School sculpts the perfect learning program for each child and we are blessed to be a part of this community. Prior to Abbie School our son never spoke of friendships or what he did that day. Now he cannot wait to tell us what he learned and who he played with on the playground. There is an energy that we can read as parents especially if our child has difficulty expressing themselves. Our son appears more relaxed, content and most excitedly, proud. Our family has experienced a healing at Abbie School and has restored our faith in education.


My two kids have been at The Abbie School for the last 3 years. They have flourished under the Abbie way of life and I am so great full to all the wonderful staff that work there.


Since coming to Abbie our son has become successful in academics, drastically improved social behaviors and emotionally more stable and confident. The Abbie School truly teaches to the individual student and their specific needs.


The Abbie School has changed our daughter’s life. Over the course of the 8 months since she has started at The Abbie School, we have watched our girl transform into a happy and confident child, with friends and emerging talents. There is some magic alchemy at work at Abbie; between the serene, wooded campus, the goats and chickens, the calm and positive staff and vibrant children, our daughter’s anxieties have receded into the background, and she is finally able to breathe, to learn and to be herself.

4worldlovers: Since 2013, the Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) has opened six campuses in the Metro Phoenix and Tucson areas including our online campus. Our teaching staff is equipped and trained to provide an environment for learning through the use of different and adaptable curriculums, small group instruction, structured classrooms, schedules, and a variety of specials to keep students engaged in learning. Students collaborate, communicate, think, experiment, and reflect throughout each day. The strategies utilized by our staff are aimed at providing students with the skills and knowledge to make decisions, be successful in school, and open doors for career development.

Students at AAED show measurable growth in academics, behavior, and socialization. They are creating friendships, obtaining jobs, building strong values, and going on to further education.

Autism Academy for Education and Development is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges 533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010 www.acswasc.org

WASC accreditation is an ongoing cycle whereby schools demonstrate the capacity, commitment, and competence to support high-quality student learning and ongoing school improvement. The WASC accreditation process validates the integrity of a school’s program and student transcripts.

We are also a certified K–12 private day school approved by the Arizona Department of Education to provide special education services for students with autism.