Level D Special Education Placements for Arizona School Districts

Empower Academy is a private K–12 Level D special education day school in Mesa, Arizona. We work with public school districts and charter schools seeking an appropriate out-of-district placement for students who may benefit from a smaller, structured, and highly supportive educational environment.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with districts, families, and IEP teams to provide individualized instruction, behavioral and social-emotional support, related services, and a structured school setting designed to help students make meaningful progress.

Students We Serve

Empower Academy serves students with a wide range of special education needs, including autism, developmental disabilities, emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, other health impairments, speech-language impairments, traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic impairments, and other appropriate learning, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.

Each student is considered individually to determine whether Empower Academy can appropriately meet the student's educational and support needs in a Level D setting.

Why Districts Refer Students to Empower Academy

School districts and charter schools may consider Empower Academy when a student needs a smaller, more structured special education setting with additional individualized support.

Empower Academy offers small classes, teacher and paraprofessional support, individualized instruction, behavioral and social-emotional support, related services, and a structured learning environment designed to help students make progress toward their IEP goals.

Our team works collaboratively with district staff, families, and IEP teams to support each student's academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.

Placement and Referral Process

A school district or IEP team can begin by contacting Empower Academy to discuss the student's educational needs and current availability.

The district may provide relevant records, including the student's IEP, evaluations, behavior information, academic records, related-service needs, and other information needed to determine whether Empower Academy can appropriately serve the student.

If the placement appears appropriate, Empower Academy works with the district, family, and IEP team to coordinate next steps, including placement, services, transportation, and the student's transition into the program.

Related Services

Depending on a student's Individualized Education Program and educational needs, related services may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and other supports.

Services are determined individually and may be provided by Empower Academy staff or qualified contracted professionals in coordination with the student's IEP team and placing district or charter school.

Transportation

Transportation may be available depending on the student's placement, location, placing district or charter school, and current transportation routes.

Empower Academy operates transportation routes throughout portions of the East Valley and works with placing districts and charter schools to coordinate transportation arrangements when appropriate.

Districts and Charter Schools We Work With

Empower Academy currently serves students placed by school districts and charter schools including Gilbert Public Schools, Chandler Unified School District, Queen Creek Unified School District, Higley Unified School District, Florence Unified School District, J.O. Combs Unified School District, Globe Unified School District, American Leadership Academy, and Arizona Autism Charter Schools.

We also welcome inquiries from other Arizona school districts and charter schools that are considering a Level D private special education placement for a student.

Discuss a Potential Placement

To discuss a potential Level D placement, current openings, student needs, services, or transportation, contact our School Director, Janelle.

Call or text: 480-476-1171
Email: empoweracademyk12@gmail.com

We welcome inquiries from special education directors, case managers, school psychologists, IEP teams, and other district or charter school representatives who are considering an appropriate private special education placement for a student.