Twenty years ago, SARRC’s Community School opened its first classroom with a vision for what early childhood education could look like: a place where children with and without autism could learn together, build confidence and grow from their individual strengths
Since then, thousands of children have found their voices, made friends and discovered new interests. Families have watched their children grow, while educators have had a front-row seat to the everyday moments that can shape a child’s earliest years.
“Reaching 20 years is more than celebrating a milestone. It’s about recognizing two decades of children thriving, families finding guidance and support, and therapists and educators making a lasting difference every day,” says SARRC’s Director of Clinical Services, Beatriz Orr. “Each individual success story contributes to the extraordinary impact that the Community School has made in the lives of children, families and the broader community.”
The Beginning
SARRC’s Community School was created in 2006 with the help of a grant from the Department of Economic Security to develop a sustainable early childhood program.
The first classroom opened at SARRC’s Phoenix campus with a handful of children and gradually grew to full capacity. From the beginning, the program’s unique model was rooted in a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to learning and intervention with an emphasis on social development, belonging and kindergarten readiness.
That vision continues to shape the Community School today. Through play-based learning and blended classrooms, children develop academic, social, emotional and communication skills while building meaningful relationships with their peers.
The Growth
The Community School has grown alongside the families it serves. What began as one campus in Phoenix has expanded to campuses in Tempe, Mesa and Scottsdale with a Tucson campus on the horizon.
Today, the Community School can serve up to 120 children with autism and 200 neurotypical children in 16 classrooms across four campuses.
With each new campus, the program has adapted to meet the needs of more families while maintaining a community where children and families feel known, welcome and connected.
The Impact
The most meaningful measure of the Community School’s impact is found in the everyday moments happening in its classrooms.
“Some of the most meaningful transformations begin with moments that may seem small: making a first friend, building confidence, finding a voice, or gaining a new sense of independence. For families, witnessing that growth is both powerful and deeply rewarding. These moments help shape a child’s early years and provide families with hope and confidence for the journey ahead,” says Beatriz.
For families, these moments provide reassurance that their child is seen, supported and building a foundation for what comes next. For educators, they reflect the value of creating a place where every child can participate, connect and develop meaningful skills. For children, those experiences become part of the foundation they carry into kindergarten and beyond.
The Future
Twenty years marks an important chapter for the Community School, but the work continues. As SARRC looks toward the future, The Community School will continue growing to meet the needs of more families across Arizona, expanding its reach while remaining grounded in the mission that has defined the program from its inception.
The next chapter will bring new classrooms, new friendships and new opportunities for children and their families. SARRC is currently accepting interest for its new Tucson campus, opening in early 2027!
For more information, visit CommunitySchoolAZ.org, contact our Family Resource Team at 602.606.9806 or [email protected], or complete the interest form on our website.