A Christian School in Orange County for Kids with Autism
Many academically capable kids with autism struggle in a traditional classroom, not because they cannot do the work, but because the setting works against them. Big classes, constant noise and fast transitions can make a school day exhausting. Pathway School is a small Christian school in Laguna Hills, California, for grades 2–8, and our community includes students with autism whose main challenges at school are reading, writing, math, focus or organization.
What families of autistic students tell us they need
A smaller, calmer classroom with predictable routines
Teachers who take time to understand how their child learns
Help with organization, transitions and friendships
A place where their child is accepted, not just tolerated
How Pathway helps
Small classes and structure. With a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio and consistent daily routines, students know what to expect.
Executive functioning class. Students practice organization, planning and time management as part of their week.
Social growth woven into the day. Social-emotional learning is part of every school day, and teachers help students build friendships and read social cues.
On-site support. Occupational therapy is included in tuition. Speech therapy and family therapy are available on campus, and our family therapist supports both students and parents.
Learning at the right level. Each student is placed by academic level in each subject, so a child who is ahead in math is not held back by reading, and the other way around.
A faith community. Chapel every Friday and a caring Christian community where learning differently is the norm.
Is Pathway the right fit?
Pathway is built for academic structure and learning support. It is not the right fit for students whose primary needs are behavioral. Every family goes through the same admissions process, so we can decide together whether our program fits your child.
Questions parents ask
Do you accept students with an autism diagnosis?
Yes. Many academically capable students with autism are a wonderful fit for Pathway. Like every applicant, they go through our full admissions process so we can make sure our program fits their needs.
Does a diagnosis affect admission?
No. We do not admit or decline students based on a diagnosis. We look at each child’s learning needs and whether our program is a good fit.
Can my child start mid-year?
Yes. Enrollment is open any time of year when a seat is available.
Take the next step
Read our guide, Is Pathway right for my child?, or schedule a tour. You can also call us at (949) 837-1203.
