Our Program
Capstone Academy provides an intensive educational program for students based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. We utilize a multi – disciplinary approach to address all areas of need for each student.
We serve students with a primary diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder ages 6 through 21.
Admissions are open on a rolling basis.
Highly Individualized
Capstone Academy provides a small classroom environment, with a high level of individualization. Classrooms will not exceed a one to three teacher to student ratio and will be limited to eight total students or less.
Related Services
An interdisciplinary approach is critical to support many students with autism and their needs. Students receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy based on their needs.
Capstone Academy employs Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. Students receive direct, consultative, and co-therapy sessions as indicated by their individual needs.
Medley and Mesaric Therapy Associates (MMTA) provides all speech services at Capstone Academy, including direct therapy, consultation, and training. Consultation and/or training is provided to classroom staff to support the needs of students and to transfer skills that are being worked on in direct therapy sessions. MMTA brings years of experience working with students with significant social and communication needs from kindergarten through graduation and beyond.
Capstone Academy contracts with a physical therapist for direct and consultative services as driven by students’ individual needs.
Applied Behavior Analysis
All educational and behavioral programming is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Daily supervision will be provided by on site Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Data are collected regularly for all skill acquisition and behavior reduction programs and all programming decisions are based on the student’s data.
Testimonials
“Our 16-yr old son has been a student at Capstone Academy for over 5 years. Throughout his time at Capstone Academy, our son has progressed and gained valuable skills in areas such as cooking and cutting food safely, fire safety, money, math, shaving, shopping, working in small groups, staying on task, following schedules, and day-to-day chores such as sweeping, cleaning, trash duty, and folding laundry. With the help of Capstone Academy’s individualized programming, and its use of ABA principles, these skills have been thoughtfully and carefully taught to our son to ensure mastery of skills.
In addition, our son has already gained important vocational skills out of the classroom and in the local community. At only age 16, he has already acquired job skills at a food pantry, an in-house coffee cart, a café, an insurance office, a thrift shop, and a vet clinic. In each, he was responsible to report into a manager, follow directions, remain appropriate, and stay on task while completing various assignments.
With Capstone Academy’s dedicated 1:1 staffing, we feel more assured that our son will be ready in many different areas as he enters adulthood. He has been successful in each vocational & individualized learning assignment while at Capstone Academy. We are very thankful to the director, Amanda Flavell, and her great staff who truly cares and is committed to putting in the work so that our son, and others, will succeed.”
Doug & Marcia G.
“As a parent of a child with autism, I often felt overwhelmed, helpless, and desperately hopeful. My son, who is almost nonverbal, had been in our district setting from kindergarten through third grade, and each year I was told he was making progress. Yet, despite these reassurances, I watched him work tirelessly on the same skills year after year, with little visible growth and limited advancement. I felt like time was slipping away, and that precious opportunities for him to learn, connect, and truly thrive were being lost.
Since joining Capstone Academy, I have witnessed incredible, genuine progress in my son—tremendous growth that I truly didn’t think was possible in such a short time. The level of dedication, expertise, and genuine care from everyone at Capstone is remarkable. Capstone is giving my son a full, wholesome program that includes daily living skills such as teeth brushing, dressing, tolerating haircuts, and being comfortable in a dental chair. Additionally, he’s learning important life skills like counting money, practicing buying snacks, and other essential skills for independence.
Ms. Amanda Flavell, the executive director and a BCBA, is incredibly hands-on, daily present at the school, and deeply involved in each child’s progress. The teaching team is compassionate, knowledgeable, and committed to their students’ success. The speech and occupational therapists work tirelessly with heart and precision, ensuring each child’s needs are met with individualized care.
What stands out most is the staff’s dedication. They provide not only education but also parent training, send home materials, and create videos to facilitate practice and carryover at home. Daily data collection allows for real-time plan adjustments, ensuring each child’s program is tailored and effective.
Capstone Academy has truly been a transformative place for my son, and I am forever grateful for the positive, nurturing environment that has allowed him to thrive. I highly recommend Capstone to any parent seeking a caring, professional, and effective educational setting for their child.”
T.B., Parent