Finding the right school for a child with autism can feel overwhelming, but The United School has truly been a gift to our family. My son has been part of the high school and transition/vocational program for the past four years, and the growth I've seen in him has been incredible. Not just academically, but as a person - his communication skills, confidence, and ability to navigate the world have improved in ways I honestly didn't think were possible a few years ago. He is calmer, happier, more independent, and genuinely proud of himself. What stands out most to me is that he wants to go to school every day. That's something we never experienced in previous programs, and it says everything about the environment United has created. The academics are practical and meaningful - focused on real-life skills like budgeting, time management, and decision-making. The vocational program goes even further, giving students hands-on experience so they graduate with actual, employable skills. Programs like the student-run coffee shop and candle/soap business are not only creative, but incredibly effective in building confidence and independence in a way that feels natural and engaging. The staff is truly exceptional. His teachers care deeply about him, celebrate every success (big or small), and provide consistent support when challenges arise. Having an onsite BCBA has been invaluable - what could be setbacks in other environments become opportunities for learning real, functional self-regulation skills. The United School strikes a rare balance: students are encouraged and challenged to grow, while always being supported in a safe, understanding environment. As a parent, I am beyond grateful to have found a place that feels like a true home for my son's education. The dedication, creativity, and compassion of the entire United team are something very special. I cannot recommend this school highly enough. read more

My son's experience at The United School was nothing short of a nightmare. Despite being a supposed haven for special needs children, the environment was toxic and damaging. Instead of fostering inclusion and support, my son was subjected to isolation and constant reprimand. He spent his days isolated from his peers, denied the basic right to social interaction. The school's solution to any behavioral issue was to throw him in the "pause room," exacerbating his anxiety and stress. To add insult to injury, they suspended him for an entire month in December, further isolating him and crushing his self-esteem. This is not how a school for special needs children should operate. Rather than understanding and addressing his needs, they punished him, pushing him further into a shell of reclusiveness. The final straw was their ultimatum before summer break, demanding that he miraculously transition back to peer classes after a year of isolation. This sudden and unrealistic expectation was both heartless and unfair, demonstrating their complete lack of empathy and understanding. It's clear that favoritism runs rampant at The United School. Certain students and parents receive preferential treatment, while others, like my son and our family, are left feeling neglected and mistreated. Director Victoria Lawrence and the faculty showed no compassion or competence in handling my son's needs. I urge any family considering The United School for a child with behavioral issues to look elsewhere. They are ill-equipped and unqualified to provide the necessary support and care. Save yourselves and your child from the added stress and disappointment we experienced. read more

The United School is a wonderful small school dedicated to the needs of children on the spectrum. After our grandson spent a year in the Scottsdale School District's developmentally delayed pre-school program, we (parents and grandparents) knew that there had to be a better school experience/fit for our little guy. We found The United School (needed grade 1 and higher) while our grandson attended Kindergarten at another small, yet excellent, inclusive pre-school/Kindergarten in North Scottsdale. The facilities at USFA are outstanding, the teachers and staff are professional, knowledgeable, and caring, and there are a variety of elective classes during the regular school day, in addition to after-school clubs that are varied and interesting. Speech and occupational services are available for an additional fee, but the therapists hold sessions at school and accept ESA funds. The school holds parent-teacher conferences on a regular basis, and students are tested regularly in specific subjects in order to ascertain concrete achievement, which facilitates the movement to a higher level of study. In addition, the school has full-time BCBA's on campus, who help facilitate the achievement testing. One of the highlights of each quarter is The Student Showcase, which highlights the wonderful work that students produce throughout each quarter. Our grandson has attended USFA for three years; he loves going to school. And we love seeing his smiling face at the end of each school day. read more

Terrible school, I attended this school 3 years ago and it felt more like a prison than a school. I was expelled because they didn't want to let me use the restroom and my dad complained. At one point I was even punished for asking to go even though every time I asked was an emergency. The principal (Victoria) has a horrible lazy approach to her job. She will just ignore issues and sweep them under the rug even if a teacher was bullying a student. Also, the way the "support staff" treats students is very dehumanizing, involves a lot of yelling, is traumatizing to high-functioning students, leaves students more vulnerable to abuse from adults in the child's life and some of the ABA practices were borderline illegal. For example, they would restrain kids even if they aren't an immediate risk to themselves or others. This school focuses more on getting the students to obey instructions then actually teaching them. I was falling behind on multiple subjects while I attended. This has got to be the most passionate i have ever been about writing something because of how angry this place has made me. Horrible school, principal doesn't care, 10/10 would not recommend. read more

I cannot express enough how grateful we are for the United School for Autism. Our son has been attending for the past three years, and the difference we've seen in him is nothing short of remarkable. After struggling in public school and falling three grade levels behind, he was in desperate need of a supportive environment. United School for Autism has provided just that. Thanks to their dedicated and nurturing staff, he has not only caught up but is now thriving academically and socially. The school offers a range of fantastic programs, including art, music, and social skills classes, which have greatly enriched his educational experience. These programs not only foster creativity but also help him build confidence and improve social interactions. The supportive atmosphere and individualized attention have truly made a world of difference. Every teacher and staff member genuinely cares about each student's progress, creating a safe and encouraging environment where kids can flourish. We are so happy with The United School for Autism. It has been a life-changing experience for our family! read more

I cannot express enough how grateful we are for the United School for Autism. Our son has been attending for the past three years, and the difference we've seen in him is nothing short of remarkable. After struggling in public school and falling three grade levels behind, he was in desperate need of a supportive environment. United School for Autism has provided just that. Thanks to their dedicated and nurturing staff, he has not only caught up but is now thriving academically and socially. The school offers a range of fantastic programs, including art, music, and social skills classes, which have greatly enriched his educational experience. These programs not only foster creativity but also help him build confidence and improve social interactions. The supportive atmosphere and individualized attention have truly made a world of difference. Every teacher and staff member genuinely cares about each student's progress, creating a safe and encouraging environment where kids can flourish. We are so happy with The United School for Autism. It has been a life-changing experience for our family! read more

I love this school and I thank my parents for applying me to this school I'm a Student at this school reviewing on yelp This year has been one of the best years I've ever experienced. the fact that I have a safe learning environment, and that I Have the chance to make social interactions My backstory: I came from a school that wasn't really nice and the fact that I didn't get treated the way I deserved it that's why you might see that I look a little mean But I try my best to be a respectful person, and get treated with the treatment that I deserve. I also make lots of friends and get the chance to talk to people that I haven't met yet thanks to my parents for applying me to this school. They've made me a happy kid and not so mad anymore read more

As a parent, I've become increasingly concerned about the constant teacher turnover at this school and what it says about the overall work environment. It seems that leadership struggles with communication and professionalism, creating a stressful atmosphere where teachers have little autonomy and are often micromanaged. The frequent loss of dedicated, talented educators has a noticeable impact on students' consistency and learning, and it's disheartening to see so many great teachers leave because of the way they're treated. The students here truly deserve the stability and supportive environment that long-term, valued teachers can provide. read more