MISSION STATEMENT
We would love to meet you and your student! Fill out our "contact us" section on our website, email info@abelsacademy.com, or call us (352)-223-1999 for our upcoming tour dates and times.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Come tour with us!
"If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn" - Ignacio Estrada
Pre-K Half-Day Program (8:30-11:30am)
In our PreK and Kinder+ classes, the curriculum is designed to support the whole child, with a primary focus on effective communication, language development, and social skills. Students work on building functional communication strategies while engaging in activities that promote peer interaction and classroom readiness. Our program also emphasizes the development of life skills and provides opportunities to strengthen foundational academic skills, setting the stage for future learning and success.
Lower School Half-Day Program (11:30am-2:30pm)
Our Lower School Half-Day program is just like our Lower School Full Day classroom (see below). We noticed a need for a half-day classroom for some students as it is ideal for those students who receive ABA therapy for half the day, are transitioning from the Pre-K classroom, and/or receive a limited scholarship amount.
Lower School Full Day (8:30am-2:30pm)
In our Lower Full Day classes, the primary focus is on standards-aligned academic instruction that builds a strong foundation in core subjects. Alongside academics, students also participate in social skills development to support positive interactions and personal growth. Learning is enriched through hands-on exploration activities, allowing students to engage with concepts in meaningful and practical ways. Each child receives individualized support with the necessary accommodations and modifications to ensure success and progress at their own pace.
Upper School A/Vocational (8:30am-2:30pm)
In Upper A, students participate in a well-rounded program designed to support their academic, social, and vocational growth. Academics are individualized and tailored to meet each student’s current ability level, ensuring that learning remains both challenging and accessible. Alongside academic instruction, students receive targeted social skills training to strengthen communication, problem-solving, and independence in daily interactions. A key focus of Upper A is the Transition to Work Program, which prepares students for life beyond school. Through hands-on vocational instruction and career readiness activities, students gain valuable workplace skills and experiences that will support their future success. This combination of academics, social skill development, and vocational training ensures that each student is progressing toward their personal goals while building the confidence and independence needed for adulthood.
Upper School B (8:30am-2:30pm)
The Upper B class is designed to closely mirror a general education classroom, providing students with access to rigorous academics while also ensuring individualized support. Students in this program are placed on a graduation track aligned with a standard diploma and/or the Transition to Work Program, depending on their individual goals and needs. Instruction focuses on standards-based lessons in all four core subject areas—Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Our goal is to challenge students academically while equipping them with the skills necessary for postsecondary success, whether that path leads to further education, employment, or independent living.
ABOUT US
CLASSROOMS & PROGRAMS
ABELS Academy was created because the clinicians at Southlake Autism were compelled to do more for children who were not making progress in their private and mainstream school placement.
ABELS Academy serves all types of students with a variety of diagnoses. At ABELS Academy, clinicians and teachers work closely together, combining their respective areas of expertise to create a learning environment that focuses on individual needs. Our goal is to enable each student to achieve their highest level of success possible.
The mission of ABELS (Applied Behavior Education and Life Skills) Academy is to provide an educational environment that promotes a child-centered approach to learning, the development of functional life skills, and the advancement of family and community values.
ABELS Academy and The Jack and Allie Foundation, a non-profit organization created to benefit children with special needs, have partnered with the Wildwood Police Department. Their continual commitment is shown through the annual 5K walk/run for Autism Awareness. We appreciate the dedication and assistance of the Wildwood Police Department.