Eric and Sawana welcome Kayla Whiteoff, director of special schools for Victory Schools, to talk about the brand new Victory Autism Academy campus that just opened in Anthem. Housed in the former Carus Academy building off 42nd Street, the campus started its first day with 13 students and grows through word of mouth rather than a fixed expansion plan. Kayla explains the whole child philosophy behind the program, which blends core academics with life skills, social development, and independence for students on the spectrum.
She walks through the three learning pathways, the flexible attendance that lets families keep outside therapies like speech, ABA, and OT, and how tuition is largely covered through Arizona’s ESA scholarship, private pay, or district placement. The conversation also covers early signs of autism, the three support levels, and enrichment specials such as animal therapy, music therapy, art, and STEAM. For Anthem families seeking specialized education options close to home, this episode is a practical and heartfelt introduction.
Key takeaways
- Victory Autism Academy opened its new Anthem campus in the former Carus Academy building off 42nd Street, launching with 13 students on its first day.
- The program follows a Path to Victory model with three learning pathways, ranging from a foundational life skills track up to the Trailblazers track for students at or above grade level.
- Tuition is largely covered by Arizona's ESA (Empowerment Scholarship) for students with an autism diagnosis, with private pay around $35,000 and district placement as alternatives.
- Flexible, non-rigid attendance lets families keep outside therapies such as speech, ABA, PT, and OT without sacrificing school time.
- Enrichment specials rotate through the week and include music therapy, art therapy, STEAM, reteach and intervention, and animal therapy via a partnership with Carter's Farm.
- The school serves students beyond autism, including Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury, and builds high school internships plus a Grand Canyon University pathway; tours and info are available at victoryautismacademy.com.
Related: Eye on Anthem podcast