Thank you for your interest!
Transition Academy
The two-year, tuition-based Transition Academy program offers a supportive environment that helps build crucial independent living and career-readiness skills. Participants can maximize their capacity to live more independently through our Learn4Independence® curriculum, taught by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) off-site at GateWay Community College in Phoenix. SARRC also provides clinical services.
Adults with autism have access to specially designed, individualized services, including career counseling for volunteering, internships and employment. Take a moment to watch this short video, Dylan’s Day, to experience a day in the life of a Transition Academy student.
Transition Academy Enrollment Info Packet
Your Next Step
We encourage you to carefully review the information in the links above and contact brad herron-valenzuela, Transition Academy Managing Director, with any questions you have regarding the program. Then submit the application and registration fee.
Hear from Our Grads
FAQs
During the Transition Academy’s two-year program, participants live in their own private bedroom in a four-bedroom suite on the first floor of First Place–Phoenix. The program includes our Learn4Independence® life skills curriculum with 32-semester length courses.
2023 tuition for the Transition Academy is $86,700 ($7,909/month), which includes a shared apartment unit with a private bedroom, 24/7 concierge, amenities, utilities (electricity, water, cable, Wi-Fi, phone) and instruction at GateWay Community College in Phoenix, where the First Place Learn4Independence® life skills curriculum is taught.
Insurance funding may be available for qualified individuals via our clinical partner the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), as they are contracted providers with most insurance plans. With insurance coverage, the 2023 tuition may be reduced to $40,810 annually ($3,710 a month). However, insurance funding is subject to ongoing reauthorization and is not guaranteed. If there is a lapse in funding, the student and the student’s guarantor will be responsible for the full annual tuition of $86,700 or $7,909.60/month.
Our clinical partner the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) is a contracted provider with most insurance plans. With insurance coverage, the 2023 tuition may be reduced to $40,810 annually ($3,710 a month). However, insurance funding is subject to ongoing reauthorization and is not guaranteed. If there is a lapse in funding, the student and the student’s guarantor will be responsible for the full annual tuition of $86,700 or $7,909.60/month.
We seek counsel from the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, staffed with BCBAs who provide clinical services for the First Place Transition Academy.
Residents may live at the First Place Apartments without being enrolled in the Transition Academy. Following the two-year Transition Academy program, graduates may also choose to remain at First Place–Phoenix and lease an apartment.