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BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR
CHILDREN TO SHINE.

Every child deserves a place to discover their true potential; Polaris Academy Foundation exists to provide that space. By:

  • Constructing unique learning environments with an intentional focus on sensory and autism design,
  • Providing evidence-based training resources to empower educators, parents, and professionals in the field of neurodiverse instruction, and
  • Facilitating collaboration between Public and Private schools to provide families and the community with greater access to truly blended academic-therapy education models.

We are the Foundation upon which autistic and neurodivergent children can stand to build confidence and receive the tools and resources necessary to grow and thrive.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION.


Polaris Academy Foundation was born out of a need for alternative pathways of instruction, growth, development, and success for autistic and neurodivergent children. For children that don’t conform to the standard model, new models are needed that conform to them. The Foundation provides a support and platform upon which parents, educators, professionals, and the community can rely upon to collaborate, build, and lead children through these new models and pathways.

 

Born from the creation of Polaris Academy, a private school for autistic learners, Polaris Academy Foundation has adopted its mission to empower parents, students, schools, and the community by organizing and providing academic, social, life skill, and community resources to elevate the growth, capacity, independence, and education of autistic and neurodivergent children.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS.

Measurable Growth

Polaris Academy Foundation supports development of blended academic/therapy models and curriculum. This evidence-based approach to instruction shows that students mastering behavioral goals also see an increased performance in academics.

Sports Programs

The Foundation supports the operation and expansion of intramural sports programs for autistic learners with the goal of establishing a dedicated sports league for children with autism.

National Support

Polaris Academy Foundation is a sponsor of the Polaris Connection Podcast where expert guidance and real-life strategies are shared to help families across the nation connect and navigate the neurodivergent journey together.

Expanding Campuses

Polaris Academy Foundation is collaborating with Public School districts to re-develop instructional space for neurodivergent learners within a public campus. This unique partnership between public and private schools helps prevent public campuses from closing and infuses new capital into school infrastructure without imposing new bonds or school debt. Polaris families enjoy the benefits of public facilities while having the autonomy to execute its unique curriculum in spaces wholly designated for its students. 2026 will see expansion into both Rhodes and Smith Jr. High in Mesa, with additional locations and School Districts to come.

Professional Grants

Grants for professionals are intended to explore additional ways to synergistically design and execute blended academic and therapy models in a social classroom setting.

Events

In 2025, the Polaris Academy Foundation hosted its first community education event sponsoring Journeys with PDA and will continue to host annual events aimed at connecting and elevating standards of care and service for autistic children and their parents.

INITIATIVES WE SUPPORT.

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Origins of Polaris

STEM Methodologies

Purpose-based Learning

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Blended Academic-Therapy Model

Academics through Culinary

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Starlight Early Learning

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Autism Architecture

Intentional Play Gym

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Inside Polaris Academy Foundation

POLARIS AMONG THE STARS.

Watch the video report from the 2025 Polaris Among the Stars event. Next Polaris Among the Stars Night will be October 22, 2026. Please contact us if you would like to attend.

GOVERNING BOARD.

Member

Lloyd Glenn

Chairman
Member

Nathan Palmer

Director
Member

Darcy Palmer

Director
Member

Dr. Andi Fourlis

Director
Member

Ken Greathouse

Director
Member

Chris Trendler

Director
Member

Brad Broyles

Director
Member

Kevin Humphrey

Director

INVEST IN HOPE.

When you support this mission, you champion possibility. Together, we can elevate potential and help every student find their way.

$250,000 / $1,000,000 goal progress