The HEART Center
MICROSCHOOL
Equine-Assisted Education for Neurodiverse Youth
We believe every student can and wants to learn.
Age‑appropriate education should be accessible to all — no matter what an assessment score says.
OUR MICROSCHOOL PROGRAMS
Elementary
Grades 1st-6th
This program is designed for elementary students who benefit from a more supportive, movement-based approach to learning.
Students are active participants in their education with age-appropriate academics aligned with Arizona education standards. Each day is robustly filled with literacy, math, project based learning and applied academics all while supporting regulation, communication, and the brain–body connection through purposeful movement, equine-assisted learning, and small-group instruction.
Middle/High
Grades 7th-12th
This portion of our program focuses on building the skills middle schoolers and high schoolers need for independence through real-world learning, life skill education, vocational training and equine-focused programming.
Students develop responsibility, communication, and executive functioning while receiving academic support in a way that is practical and usable. The goal is to help students apply what they are learning, not just complete assignments.
An accredited high school diploma pathway is available.
Transition
Ages 18-22
This program is built for students preparing for life after school. We focus on vocational skill development, functional academics, and daily living skills through real-world learning.
Students gain hands-on experience through equine programming, campus jobs, and community-based work while building the skills needed for employment, independence, and adult life.
An accredited high school diploma is available.
What Students Experience Each Week
Each week students:
💚 Work daily with horses through a mounted or unmounted equine-assisted learning session
💚 Participate in small-group academic classes in reading, math, and applied academics
💚 Engage in movement-based learning and outdoor experiences
💚 Build independence through life skills and responsibility
💚 Practice regulation, communication, and executive functioning skills
Learning works best when the environment supports the learner. We intentionally blend structure + flexibility so students who struggle in rigid or traditional classrooms can access education in a way that honors how their brain and body work best.
How Learning Works at
The HEART Center
Supporting regulation and the brain-body connection first so students are ready to learn.
GROUND
Academic learning that meets students where they are- small groups, real materials and instruction that moves with them.
ENGAGE
Building independence through real-world skills, responsibility and experiences that stretch what students (and parents) believe they can do.
GROW
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The intention was to create an all-encompassing program that still offered plenty of flexibility and accessibility. We know that horses and movement re-wire the brain to successfully set our kids up for learning.
Tuition will include:
- Academic Plan + Individualized Academic Curriculum
- 2x year Progress Reports with open access to teachers at any time.
- Therapeutic Riding
- Movement & Regulation
- Vocational Training
-Life Skills
- Transitional Education
- Access to Summer Programming
Tuition for each school year is between $26,000 - $30,000 depending on program path, curriculum and additional programming options.
Tuition for Elementary - $26,800Tuition for Middle/High School/Transition- $29,480
Flexible Payment Plans:
The H.E.A.R.T. Center offers payment plans of quarterly or monthly installments. Tuition can be paid via Arizona’s ESA funding.
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Staff:
-Dedicated Lead Staff for each class with Paraprofessionals as needed
- Learning Guides have a variety of certifications and education backgrounds.
- Certified Recreational Therapist
- All Staff have Fingerprint Clearance Card and up-to-date CPR & First Aid
- Certified Equine Instructors
Our team truly presumes competence, loves our students fiercely and is passionate about empowering students with autism and related disorders to reach their fullest potential.
School Schedule (26-27 School Year):
Our school meets 4 days a week: Monday-Thursday
Elementary: 10am-3pm
Middle/High School/ Transition: 8:15am-3pm
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The H.E.A.R.T. Center provides transformative education for students with moderate learning challenges.
We optimally serve students who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and whose primary needs are social, emotional, and behavioral.
Students with the above diagnosis may also have co-occurring learning challenges such as:
- Apraxia
-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Executive Functioning - Processing Disorder
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Speech or Language Impairments
- Anxiety
- Depression
We do our best to support students with a variety of support needs. If your child has an apraxic and impulsive body that needs significant one-on-one coaching to be successful, we will work with you to provide a Communication Regulation Partner to attend with them.
Our ultimate goal is to come alongside your child and your family to be a part of your child’s growth and success.
If you are a family that believes in a holistic and integrative approach to healing and education- you’ve found your people!
If you are looking for a traditional academic school that caters to those with special needs- we may color a little too far outside the lines for your liking- and that’s okay! We are always happy to chat and provide references if we aren’t your optimal fit.
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Is your school accredited? We are in the process of accreditation!
Do you provide transportation? No, we do not provide transportation at this time.
How do I know this is for me?
Is traditional school turning into more of a place to go rather than a place of true benefit? Do you resonate with any of the following?
You're constantly finding that your child just doesn't "fit". They aren't benefitting from a traditional school experience and still need more focused support and resources, but they are too high functioning either socially or academically to attend some of the more “specialized” private schools.
Your child is academically doing GREAT in his or her customized homeschool curriculum but is missing that social interaction that comes with school. You're hoping to find the best of both worlds.
You've leveraged ESA to help you close the achievement gap from not having the right supports in public school and now you're ready to start thinking about resources and skills that will build on the work you've done in order to set your child up for a successful transition into adulthood.
Your child loves animals and learns better in a more hands on, interactive environment.
If you are looking for a personalized experience with small group social interaction, The H.E.A.R.T Center could be a great fit! Reach out today to schedule a tour!
Enrollment
The H.E.A.R.T. Center accepts applicants on a rolling basis until capacity for the school year is reached.
Please contact us or fill out the form below to begin the application and interview process! We can’t wait to meet you!