About Empower Academy
Empower Academy is a private K–12 special education day school located in Mesa, Arizona. We provide individualized instruction and a supportive learning environment for students with autism, learning differences, emotional disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Our goal is to help every student build confidence, independence, and academic success.
Our Mission
Empower Academy is committed to providing a structured, supportive, and individualized learning environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe every student has unique strengths and potential, and our mission is to help each student develop the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success.
Our School
Empower Academy serves students in grades K–12 who benefit from smaller class sizes and individualized instruction. Our experienced teachers and support staff work closely with each student to provide personalized academic support in a structured and supportive learning environment.
We partner with families, school districts, and therapists to help students develop academic skills, social skills, and independence. Our goal is to create a positive environment where students feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Our Approach to Learning
At Empower Academy, we recognize that every student learns differently. Our instructional approach focuses on:
• Individualized instruction based on each student's needs
• Small class sizes for increased support
• Structured routines and clear expectations
• Social and emotional skill development
• Collaboration with families and support professionals
This approach allows students to build academic skills while also developing confidence and independence.
Meet Our Co-Founder
Rickey Woolfolk, M.Ed., LAC Co-Founder and Director of Operations
Rickey Woolfolk co-founded Empower Academy in 2017 and serves as its Director of Operations, high school teacher, and school counselor. For more than 15 years, he has worked with children and adolescents in education, behavioral health, and foster care, including students with diverse learning, behavioral, and emotional needs.
Rickey is committed to creating a structured and supportive school environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. In the classroom, he helps high school students develop confidence, critical-thinking skills, independence, and practical skills for life after graduation.
As a Licensed Associate Counselor, Rickey also supports students’ mental health and emotional well-being. He values strong relationships with students, families, and staff and is proud to help lead a school community focused on growth, achievement, and lifelong success.
Our Dedicated Staff
Empower Academy’s experienced special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff work together to help every student feel understood, supported, and capable of success. Our team is committed to providing consistent structure, individualized encouragement, and meaningful learning experiences that address each student’s academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
We also collaborate with qualified speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, counselors, and other professionals when additional services are needed. Through close communication with families and one another, our staff strives to create a positive school community where students can build confidence, develop independence, and make lasting progress.
Serving Families in the East Valley
Empower Academy proudly serves families from Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and surrounding East Valley communities.
We are approved by the Arizona Department of Education as a K–12 private day school and welcome students who participate in the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.