ACCEL serves individuals with special needs by providing "research-based" educational, behavioral, therapeutic, and vocational programs empowering all to live, work, and play successfully in the community.
ACCEL has campuses and satellite programs in Tempe, Phoenix and Buckeye.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Top Ranked AZ School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 143 students
- Average class size: 9 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Accel ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
all
Year Founded
1980
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
143 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 38%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
9 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
varies depending upon special education category of eligibility
Admissions Director
Michelle Rouse
Admissions Associate
Jessie Bustamante
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: To serve people who have special needs in Arizona through exceptional programs.
- ACCEL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. ACCEL provides innovative, individualized, and comprehensive educational services to students with a wide range of abilities and challenges including autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, orthopedic impairments, health impairments, sensory impairments, multiple disabilities and severe learning disabilities. Programming is individualized and intensive support services are integrated into daily activities (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision/hearing services, music therapy, aquatics therapy and recreation/movement therapy). ACCEL also provides vocational programming designed specifically to help high school students with severe multiple disabilities develop relevant job skills. ACCEL operates BISTA, a clinical setting, providing intensive services for children with autism and other disabilities as well as parent training.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Doe, notable special education advocate -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are famous alumni from Accel?
Accel famous alumni include: John Doe, notable special education advocate.
What is Accel's ranking?
Accel ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Arizona for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Accel?
The application deadline for Accel is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Accel located?
Accel is located in the Metroplex neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ.
School Reviews
Endorse Accel. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

7 Ways Kids Can Avoid Summer Brain Drain
The summer "Brain Drain," also known as the "Summer Slide" is a term commonly used by educators and parents alike to describe the learning loss that takes place for many students during summer months. We polled the experts and found the 7 best ways parents and kids can combat the problem head on.

What's Being Taught?
This article examines the academic offerings in American private high schools, discussing graduation requirements, college preparation, accreditation, and advanced programs like AP and IB. It emphasizes the importance of understanding a school's curriculum when choosing the right educational environment for a child.

Waldorf Schools
Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.