Accelerate ASU expands opportunity for neurodivergent students

At Arizona’s Autism Academy, high school students with autism are reimagining what their future paths can hold. Through the school’s partnership with Accelerate ASU, students can access rigorous college courses that meet them where they are.

“Some of our students are excited to pursue college,” said Taylor Jacobs, Autism Academy’s director of curriculum and implementation. “They just need some additional support building the executive functioning skills necessary for college-level rigor. Accelerate ASU gives them a chance to see if they can truly access college coursework and be successful with it.”

Accelerate ASU serves a wide array of more than 550 past and current partners, including large public school districts, private schools and schools offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. Autism Academy joins a growing community of Accelerate partners that primarily serve neurodivergent students, including Palmetto Bay Academy in Miami, Florida and Gateway Academy, a school for academically gifted students with autism. 

Unlike traditional dual enrollment models, which often require commuting off campus and taking high-stakes exams, ASU’s program emphasizes adaptability. Schools can integrate college courses directly into the school day, allowing students to learn at their own pace while receiving guidance from their classroom teachers. The approach can be particularly impactful for neurodivergent learners, who often benefit from in-person support to build college-ready skills.

For students like Owen, a sophomore at Gateway Academy, ASU’s model can be life-changing. 

“Between the supportive learning environment and the supportive social structure within the school, Owen started to see himself as college capable,” say Owen’s parents. “He decided that he wants to become a registered nurse, and has the confidence to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. That never would have happened 12 months ago.”

Educators across partner schools report that students who once hesitated to seek help are learning to navigate office hours, communicate with instructors and take ownership of their learning journey.

By empowering schools to create dual enrollment models that meet their unique needs, Accelerate ASU is helping neurodivergent students discover new possibilities, whether that path leads to a degree, a credential or a career.

To learn more, read the full story on ASU News.