Welcome to Breakthrough Academy

WHAT WE DO:

We employ science-based practices shown to be effective for ALL learners in the field of general and special education. This includes, but isn’t limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), other developmental disabilities, Dyslexia/Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Anxiety, Social Communication challenges, Language Impairment, learning differences, and also those learners who prefer a small, individualized learning environment. We collaborate with families to understand and support the comprehensive learning needs (academic, social/emotional, and behavioral) that will lead to a learner’s self-determination and independence. Our job is to give our learners the opportunity to meet their potential and contribute to society in their way.

WHAT WE BELIEVE:​​

At Breakthrough Academy, we believe that ALL children: 

  • Have the ability to “learn how to learn” and increase their rate of learning

  • Are curious & creative

  • Can succeed

  • Are entitled to an equitable education

 

Breakthrough Academy is the only school in Arizona and one of a few in the country to implement the “technology of teaching”

The technology of teaching includes instruction using the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction (a Precision Teaching learning technology based in Mathetics) to increase a child's rate of learning.

We service grades K through 8 with a current enrollment of 38 students. Classes are homogeneously grouped according to ability level and have, on average, only six learners with one Precision Teacher and may include at least one Behavior Technician. Each subject and skill to be taught uses an evidence-based curriculum or program aligned with grade-level standards to ensure every learner is progressing academically.

We invite interested families to start the enrollment process with us by visiting our campus for a tour to see how our curricula, academic instruction, and facilitation of social and emotional learning come together for a fun, engaging, and caring learning environment where your child would say, “I want to go here.”

We hear it all the time!


Look at how our learners perform!

GRADE LEVEL PERFORMANCE

g.l. - grade level equivalents in 2020-21 using the Wide-Range Achievement Test (WRAT); some learners began the school year 2.5 years below grade level

A few of our specializations…

A “generative curriculum” hinges on the belief that complex behavioral repertoires emerge

- without explicit instruction -

when well-selected component repertoires are appropriately sequenced, carefully instructed, and well rehearsed.”
— Johnson & Street, 2004

We received training and consultation from Morningside Academy, a highly effective and renown private school. We use the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction along with Direct Instruction curriculum and Fluency-based Instruction together with the Precision Teaching data collection system to help learners make breakthroughs! This combination deliberately moves each learner's performance toward our goal of two years growth in one year's time.

We receive ongoing training and supervision by Octave Precision Innovation, a premier Precision Teaching training organization. We are dedicated to increased rates of learning by each of our learners.


Our focus on Structured Literacy Teaching and the Science of Reading (SoR) using the Knowledge and Practice Standards as developed and defined by the International Dyslexia Association for the effective remediation and treatment of Dyslexia.


 

Because of our specialty in social/emotional & trauma-informed instruction as well as instruction in social cognition and executive functioning, we have been implementing the practices of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) all along. However, we now use PAX Good Behavior Game and three ABA-based curricula to improve the efficacy of our instruction. We have added AIM and ACT curricula in our efforts to make the most impact for our learners. The Good Behavior Game! This is an evidenced-based practice to significantly improve social/emotional well-being. Your child will learn self-regulation and important protective life skills.