About Our School
ACES Academy is a Non-public school (NPS) owned and operated by ACES, a national provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. Established in 2004, ACES Academy serves students in first grade through transition age (18-22) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or other developmental disabilities. ACES Academy is located in Hillcrest, right in the heart of San Diego. Students are referred to our NPS by their home school district through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team process. The program at ACES Academy is individualized to meet each student’s unique needs and is based on the students’ IEP. We use ABA methodologies and evidence-based research to create interventions that lead to meaningful life changes. We offer a functional curriculum and a certificate of completion.
Why Choose ACES Academy
flexibility and autonomy
We believe that for students to meet their maximum potential, educational experiences must be individualized. Our small enrollment size of up to 16 students allows us to have tremendous amount of flexibility and autonomy. All students learn differently, and it is our job to make data informed decisions to ensure student success and growth. Our teachers have the flexibility to change the learning environment, curriculum, schedule, and materials to meet the individual needs of each student.
collaborative approach
We believe that to obtain meaningful change in every student, we must use a collaborative approach. Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and our fully credentialed Educational Specialists work closely with families to create successful interventions that can be implemented both at home and at school. In addition, all our 1:1 staff are Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and are trained in Crisis Prevention Interventions.
assume competency
We always assume competency. Although some of our students are non-verbal and have communication deficits, we treat every student as a competent individual who deserves love, respect, and to be treated with dignity.
compassionate
We are compassionate. Our students must feel safe, comfortable, and we must earn their trust before we can truly make meaningful change. We understand that having skill deficits in communication can be incredibly frustrating at times, and it is our job to support our students in finding effective replacement behaviors to get their needs met.
effective
Our program is effective. As an ABA based program, we take extensive data using an online platform, to ensure that our interventions are successful. We use ABA methodology to adjust or change our approach/intervention until we see meaningful results.
In-home Services
Lastly, ACES Academy is part of ACES 2020, LLC, a nationwide ABA company. Some of our students receive in home or clinic ABA services though ACES, enabling services to be streamlined and optimal collaboration.
Our Students
We serve students with a primary disability of autism, moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities. Our students come from school districts located throughout the greater San Diego area. We specialize in students with severe communication, social, and behavioral deficits. Our cozy campus is made up of 3 separate buildings. The Yellow House serves school aged students from 1st-9th grade and students 16+ attend our transition program in our Transition House. Our Sensory house consists of a small gym and vocational task room, which enables our older students to complete mock vocational tasks to help prepare for employment.
Meet Our Team
Katie Fay
Director
Mia Pinkstaff
Education Specialist
Keri Rothman
Education Specialist
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About Our Program
Individualized Academics
Academic Instruction takes place in small group settings and students are provided with 1:1 support if needed (and written on IEP). The teachers at ACES Academy are skilled in selecting materials, curriculums, and instructional methods to meet each student’s individual academic needs.
Community Learning
Community Based Instruction takes place in naturally occurring settings in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Students learn pedestrian safety skills, mobility skills, how to make purchases at community businesses, grocery shopping skills, restaurant skills, leisure skills, social skills and more.
Vocational Readiness
Vocational Training takes place both on-site and through our Community Based Instruction programs. Students can work in on-site simulated environments to learn skills for restaurant, office, and retail settings. We place an emphasis on learning vocational behavior skills that are necessary to work in all employment settings.
Life Skills Mastery
Independent Living Skills Training takes place on campus in our fully equipped kitchen and vocational spaces. Students learn to prepare food, use appliances, do laundry, complete chores, dress themselves, and complete daily hygiene skills. Skills are practiced naturally, during times throughout the school day, such as before or after P.E. or during mealtimes.
Therapeutic Support
Students receive speech and occupational therapy services from licensed speech language pathologists and occupational therapists to meet the students’ IEP needs.
Curriculum
ACES Academy utilizes numerous curriculum programs that may include, but are not limited to:
95 Percent Group Phonics
Handwriting Without Tears
Attainment Math
Touch Math and Touch Money
News 2 You
Scholastic News
Instructional Methods
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Direct Instruction
Structured Teaching (TEACCH)
Sensory Diets
Social Stories
Positive Behavior Support Plans
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
About ACES
ACES is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families impacted with autism or other special needs. We provide comprehensive, professional services to maximize individuals’ potential in the home, school and community, throughout their lifespan. ACES offers ABA programming, group programming, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other programs and services that help children with Autism Spectrm Disorder master new skills. ACES provides children and their families with 24-hour access to resources and support through ABA On-Demand. This online resource offers telehealth-based intervention, parent workshops, activities, and so much more.