What Students Love Most About PS Academy Arizona
Choosing a school for your teen with autism or other neurodivergencies is a big decision, and while parents and caregivers often lead the research, no one knows what a school feels like better than the students living it every day.
At PS Academy Arizona, we hear from families every day. But today, we’re handing the mic to the students themselves. Here’s what they have to say about friendships, feeling seen, and what it’s like to walk into a school that gets them.
What Makes PS Academy Feel Like Home?
For Julian, the answer is simple and powerful.
It’s like home. I live among people who are like me. They are family.
That feeling of belonging is at the heart of everything we do. For many teens, especially those who’ve struggled to connect at other schools, walking into a space where you don’t feel the need to mask or explain yourself is everything.
Rory B. echoed that sentiment in just a few words:
I’ve never made friends so easily.
They say home is where the heart is, but what exactly does that feel like? At PS Academy Arizona, it feels like being seen, accepted, and welcomed. We strive to create this feeling for both students and their families; these students’ encouraging words are just icing on the cake.
Why Friendships Matter More Than Ever
For students like Aubrey C., the friendships built at PS Academy go far beyond the classroom.
I have never met better people and I truly don’t think I will ever meet better. I’d truly do anything and everything for them.
It’s the kind of connection every teen deserves, but not all schools have the knowledge or tools to nurture friendships like PS Academy. We create the space and support for friendships to flourish on campus, after school, and for life.
Adrianna R. shared something similar:
My friends because they are really good and I never had friends like them.
These are the kind of friendships that change your entire school experience. It only takes one friend to make a difference, and with all our clubs, sports, and school support, students often succeed in making friends across multiple activities.
And for Tegun C., PS Academy marked a major shift after years of homeschooling:
I was homeschooled for years before coming here and rarely got to interact with other people my age. Some of the people I’ve met here I consider great friends.
Friendship, social connection, and a chance to be part of something bigger, that’s what school should feel like.
What Do Students Notice About the Environment?
Some students describe it in one word: “diverse.” Vincent K. puts it clearly:
I like the diverse and unique environment of PS Academy.
Others point to structure, support, and the way our teachers and staff truly get it.
This school is dedicated to helping kids with struggles that other schools might not get or not know how to help them or us. – Constance L.
That understanding? It’s not just academic. It’s emotional. It’s social. It’s real.
What Role Does School Size Play?
A smaller school doesn’t just mean less noise in the hallways, it means more time for building connections. Olivia B. captured it perfectly:
It has smaller class sizes than my last school and I have more friends.
When you’re not lost in a crowd, you’re more likely to feel supported and be successful. That’s why our classroom sizes are designed to foster learning and community.
Why Do Students Feel Like They Belong?
At PS Academy, we often hear the word belonging.
And for Matthew B., that comes down to something very specific:
This school I consider is the best school in the valley. The reason is that this school adapts to my specialness as a special needs kid.
We believe every student is unique, and they deserve a school that adapts to them, not the other way around. From the tech lab to the cheer team, from rock band to basketball, every student is encouraged to find their place. And speaking of basketball…
What Do Students Say About Our Sports Programs?
Just like friendships and academics, sports at PS Academy are about more than just the game.
The basketball team because of the bond and playing a sport we enjoy doing and being the best player and teammate I can be. – Gavin B.
PS Academy is proud to be the first school for neurodivergencies to join Arizona’s Canyon Athletic Association. That means our students play competitive sports against their neurotypical peers, and they rise to the challenge.
What Do These Stories Tell Us?
They tell us that PS Academy Arizona is a blend of community and school. A place where teens with autism and other neurodivergencies can grow, connect, and discover what they’re capable of. We could tell you more about our programs, clubs, electives, or our incredible teachers. But honestly? The students said it best.
Looking for a place where your teen can feel like they belong? Where friendships come naturally, challenges are supported, and differences are celebrated? Come see what PS Academy Arizona is all about.
Want More Stories Like These?
You can explore more student and parent testimonials on our Testimonials Page. Every story is a reminder that when students feel supported, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
