ACCEL

ACCEL has a rolling admissions policy. A school district, educational consultant, parent or other referring agency may refer a student at any time.

ACCEL considers students for whom the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team agrees a private day school is deemed appropriate and who will benefit from the intensive educational, behavioral, vocational, and related services provided. Available space is also a factor in admitting students.

Among possible funding sources are school districts, parents/guardians and scholarships. If a student is placed in an ACCEL program by their school district, the school district assumes tuition costs and provides transportation to and from ACCEL daily. If the student is privately placed by a parent/guardian, the parent/guardian will provide tuition costs and assume responsibility for transportation.

ACCEL admits students regardless of race, color, religious affiliation, national or ethnic origin. ACCEL does not discriminate against students who qualify under the criteria of the school, or in the delivery of education, behavioral, or related services.

Admission to ACCEL is facilitated by a thorough exchange of information about the prospective student. Information is gathered from the school district, parents/guardians, and the prospective student. ACCEL’s team reviews special education records including the IEP, Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Reports (MET) and other records prior to student placement.

In general, the referral/placement process is as follows:

• A tour of ACCEL programs will be arranged. Parents are encouraged to bring the prospective student with them on the tour, or a representative of ACCEL may visit the student in his/her school or home environment. At this time, important considerations and information may be exchanged. A member of the behavior team, the nursing team or other administrative staff may also observe the student in his/her current setting.
• Parents who are considering ACCEL placement for their student will be asked to provide educational records such as the student’s current IEP, MET and any relevant therapy or behavior evaluations for review by the ACCEL team. The school district may also provide these records.
• Following the visits, observations, and review of records, a decision is made by ACCEL’s team and is communicated to the referring school district or parent/guardian.
• If agreement is reached by the ACCEL team, parent/guardian and/or school district if applicable, that a student’s educational interests can best be provided by an ACCEL program, an Intake staffing is conducted. Any transition needs of the student from his/her current educational placement to an ACCEL program will be discussed at this time. Education, behavior, dietary, therapy and medical needs will be determined prior to placement.
• Depending upon receipt of required intake paperwork and documents, the date of placement in an ACCEL program will be determined at the Intake staffing. Generally, placement is achieved during a relatively short time frame.

To inquire about admission and referrals, please contact:

Kim McDougal at 602-995-7366 or kmcdougal@accel.org

Scholarship funds may be available through Top for Kids.  Please go to

https://www.topsforkids.com/index.aspx?c=59 for application.