How to Apply
Applying to A-FITS should not feel complicated. Our admissions process is designed to help families understand the school, help us understand the student, and determine whether A-FITS can provide an appropriate educational placement.
Step 1 — Start With a Conversation
Tell us about your child and what has brought your family to A-FITS.
We may ask about age and grade, autism diagnosis, current school placement, academic abilities, communication, Sensory Integration needs, social development, behavior, independence, current therapies or supports, previous educational experiences, what is currently working, what has been difficult, and what you hope to find in a new school.
You do not need to know which A-FITS program your child belongs in before calling. That is part of what we will help determine together.
Step 2 — Schedule a Campus Tour
We strongly encourage prospective families to tour an A-FITS campus before completing enrollment.
During the tour, you can see classrooms and learning environments, learn about our small-school model, understand our approximately 4:1 student-to-staff ratio not including the classroom teacher, explore High Functioning Autism Programming and Functional Academic Programming, learn about FITS Integrated Support™, Speech and Occupational Therapy, School Based ABA, Sensory Integration, Social-Emotional Learning, FITS Life™, FITS Experience™, FITS Beyond™, FITS Forward™, RISE Extended School Day, tuition and ESA, and campus-specific services.
We want you to evaluate us too.
Step 3 — Complete the Application
If you would like to move forward, complete the A-FITS admissions application.
Please complete the application as thoroughly as possible. The more accurate information we have, the better we can understand the student's needs.
If you are unsure how to answer something, contact us. Do not let one unanswered question prevent you from applying.
Step 4 — Gather the Required Records
Families should also begin gathering the documents listed on the Admissions Checklist.
Depending on the student, records may include a birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, parent or guardian identification, most recent IEP, most recent MET or evaluation report, academic records, progress reports, therapy reports, behavior information when applicable, previous school records, ESA documentation when applicable, scholarship information when applicable, and other records relevant to the student's educational history.
Step 5 — Submit Educational Records
Educational records may help us understand previous evaluations, academic performance, communication needs, sensory needs, therapy history, behavior, accommodations, previous goals, supports that have been attempted, areas of progress, and areas where the student continues to struggle.
A-FITS reviews those records for history and context.
If the student enrolls, A-FITS develops its own Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) based on our program and our understanding of the student.
Step 6 — Application Review
Once the application and relevant records are received, our team begins reviewing the student's information.
We may consider academic profile, grade and age, communication, Sensory Integration needs, social-emotional development, behavior, executive functioning, independence, current supports, classroom needs, therapeutic needs, safety considerations, staffing requirements, campus availability, classroom composition, and available supports.
We may contact the family if we need additional information.
Step 7 — Determine Program Fit
A diagnosis of autism does not automatically tell us what educational program a student needs.
Some students may be a strong fit for High Functioning Autism Programming and more traditional academic pathways. Others may benefit from Functional Academic Programming. Some students may need a combination of the two.
Placement is based on the individual student—not simply the diagnosis.
Step 8 — Acceptance
If our team determines that A-FITS can appropriately meet the student's needs and an appropriate placement is available, the family will be notified regarding acceptance and next steps.
Acceptance may depend on appropriate program fit, campus availability, classroom availability, staffing, student support needs, and completion of required admissions documentation.
An application alone does not reserve a seat.
Step 9 — Review Tuition & Funding
A-FITS is a tuition-based private school.
Families may use private payment, Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account funding when eligible, qualifying School Tuition Organization scholarships, or other eligible funding sources.
Admissions and funding are separate processes.
Step 10 — Complete Enrollment Documents
After acceptance, families complete the remaining enrollment paperwork.
This may include enrollment agreements, tuition documents, emergency information, medical information, release forms, authorized pickup information, student records, funding documentation, campus-specific forms, RISE information when applicable, and transportation information when applicable.
Step 11 — Confirm the Start Date
Once enrollment requirements are complete and placement is finalized, the campus will coordinate the student's start date.
The school may also communicate information regarding arrival and dismissal, school schedule, classroom placement, lunch, medication procedures when applicable, RISE, transportation if available, campus contacts, and first-day expectations.
Step 12 — Begin the First 30
The admissions process does not end when the student walks through the door.
During our 30-Day Commitment to Understanding Your Child, the A-FITS team begins intentionally learning how the student functions within our environment.
Days 1–10 — Understand. Days 11–20 — Assess. Days 21–30 — Build. Day 30 and Beyond — Implement. Measure. Adjust.
What If I Don't Have Everything Yet?
Contact us anyway.
Families often delay reaching out because they believe they need every record, ESA approval, scholarship funding, a complete IEP file, or every admissions form before they can speak with us.
You do not. We can begin the conversation while you gather the remaining information.
Applying Does Not Guarantee Admission
A-FITS serves a broad range of students with autism, but responsible admissions requires us to determine whether we can appropriately support each student.
Student needs, safety, staffing, classroom composition, program availability, and campus capacity can affect placement.
Our goal is not simply enrollment. Our goal is appropriate placement.
The School Needs to FIT Your Child.
Come experience A-FITS and talk with our team about your child's strengths, learning profile, support needs, and goals.
Schedule a Tour