Spectrum Academy

Mission & Values

Mission Statement

Spectrum Academy is the premier charter school in Utah for students with autism and other neurodiversities who would benefit from our unique learning environment.

We provide small class sizes, with individualized instruction and an innovative social skills curriculum. We help students reach their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to productive and successful futures.

A group of students watches a demonstration of a complex machine.

Values

Respect: We treat others with dignity and honor their views and opinions, even if we disagree with them. We build healthy relationships, promote empathy and understanding that facilitate productive communication and foster personal growth.

Integrity: We conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions.

Collaboration: We value the partnership between students, families, educators, and the community in creating a successful learning environment.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation: We constantly implement incremental improvements driven by data and embrace new ideas and approaches to teaching and learning to maximize student potential.

Students raise their hands in a classroom, with a teacher in the background.

The Spectrum Standard

A puzzle graphic with interconnected pieces, each labeled with educational concepts. At Spectrum Academy, we offer an unparalleled education program complete with a unique learning environment that affords our students every opportunity to thrive in the classroom and reach their highest potential.

We believe in a holistic approach to student success, one that actively involves family collaboration and utilizes proactive interventions. These are the essential pieces that empower us to best support our neurodiverse learners, ensuring they thrive not just academically, but in all areas of life.

We incorporate a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address the diverse academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of our students. MTSS is a proactive, data-driven approach that ensures every student receives the level of support they need to thrive. This system is particularly beneficial for students with autism and other neurodiversities as it integrates academic instruction with behavioral and social-emotional interventions. Diagram illustrating a tiered system for academic and behavioral support, with three levels.

Key Features of MTSS at Spectrum Academy:

Universal Screening: All students are screened early in the school year to identify those who may need additional support in academics or behavior.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Student progress is monitored frequently to ensure interventions are effective and adjusted as needed.
Collaborative Team Approach: Teachers, counselors, psychologists, and specialists work together to assess student needs and implement tailored interventions.
Family Involvement: Parents are engaged as active partners in understanding interventions and supporting their child’s progress at home.
Evidence-Based Practices: Strategies used at every tier are research-backed and proven effective for neurodiverse learners.

Diagram illustrating a tiered system for academic and behavioral support, with three levels.

Commitment

A teacher assists a student with a worksheet in a classroom setting.

We are committed to:

- Providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.

- Recruiting and retaining highly qualified and dedicated educators.

- Offering a diverse curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.

- Supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students.

- Engaging families and the community as partners in education.

- Utilizing resources effectively and responsibly.

Our Story

In 2006, a group of parents frustrated with the educational opportunities available for students with autism took it upon themselves to ensure the academic success of their children. After years of hard work, sacrifice, and sheer determination, they opened the doors of the first charter school in Utah dedicated solely to the academic, behavioral, and social success of students with ‘high-functioning autism’.

The same vision that motivated these early parents still drives the parents, educators, and staff today. Spectrum Academy is committed to providing exceptional learning opportunities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong success for neurodiverse learners.

At Spectrum Academy, we believe that education is a transformative journey that begins with nurturing a love for learning. Our dedicated team of educators, administrators, and staff is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.