PS Academy Arizona Has Achieved Dual Accreditation. Here's Why That Matters for Your Family.
You've always known PS Academy is different. Now it's been formally recognized — not with one accreditation, but two.
PS Academy Arizona proudly holds dual accreditation from the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA) and Cognia, two of the most respected accrediting bodies in K-12 education. We also carry a supplemental autism endorsement, a distinction that recognizes our specialized expertise in supporting neurodiverse learners.
What Dual Accreditation Actually Means
Accreditation can feel like an abstract term. Here's what it means for your family in plain language.
A rigorous, independent evaluation confirmed that PS Academy meets the highest national standards, academically and therapeutically. Our curriculum, our support strategies, our staff, and our student outcomes were all reviewed by an outside team. They interviewed parents, students, and staff. They looked hard.
Their verdict: a "life-changing experience" and a school with a "special sauce."
What that means for you: when you advocate for your child with a therapist, a specialist, or a school district, you are backed by independently verified proof that PS Academy is exceptional.
What This Means in Practice
Dual accreditation through NIPSA and Cognia, combined with our Autism Endorsement, demonstrates that:
PS Academy meets rigorous national standards for educational quality and organizational excellence.
Our specialized autism programming is grounded in evidence-based practices and high expectations for student success.
Staff training, instructional methods, and student support reflect current research and industry best practices.
We are committed to individualized growth, continuous improvement, and measurable outcomes for every student.
Our programs undergo ongoing evaluation to ensure we maintain the highest standards of excellence and accountability.
The autism endorsement goes a step further. It distinguishes PS Academy from traditional schools by formally recognizing our intentional design and deep expertise in serving students on the spectrum.
In Our Founder's Words
"We are incredibly humbled by the feedback from the evaluation team and are proud of what our community has built together," said Kami Cothrun, Founder of PS Academy Arizona.
"This recognition affirms our commitment to providing both strong academics and the right level of support for each of our students with autism and other neurodivergences."
"At our core, we're a typical school for atypical learners. And this accreditation reinforces that what makes PS Academy so unique is not just what we teach, but how we empower each student through meaningful learning experiences, strong community connections, and evidence-based support."
The School Your Child Attends
At PS Academy, students do more than learn—they belong. They compete in sports, perform in musical theatre, explore culinary arts, build and create through STEM, serve on Student Council, and celebrate milestones like Prom alongside their peers.
Our small class sizes, flexible learning environment, and ability-based groupings allow each student to learn at their own pace while receiving the support they need to thrive. We place equal emphasis on academic achievement, social growth, and real-world life skills, preparing students for success both in and beyond the classroom.
This is a dual accredited school. And it’s where your child belongs.
What Our Families Are Saying
"There are no words to express my gratitude for PS Academy and all it has done for Elijah. The transformation I have seen in him has been such a blessing. Elijah has excelled more than I could have ever imagined. The confidence, strength, and passion he has gained is truly remarkable." — Ray B, PS Academy parent.
What PS Academy Looks Like Every Day
For those who haven't visited, the PS Academy campus is designed to feel like a typical junior high and high school, because that matters. Classes are smaller and more flexible, with students grouped by ability as well as age, and equal emphasis placed on academics, social development, and real-world life skills.
Students at PS Academy participate in competitive sports, musical theatre, culinary arts, and STEM. They take on volunteer opportunities, workforce development, and social experiences like Student Council and Prom. It is a full school experience, designed for how our students actually learn and grow.
Come See It for Yourself
We would love to show you what PS Academy is all about. To schedule a tour or learn more about enrollment, visit PSAcademyArizona.com or call (480) 309-4792.
Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram at @PSAcademyArizona
