Special Education Provider Now Serves Over 330 Students at Three Schools in the State
September 12, 2017, Camden, New Jersey – Catapult Learning, a leading provider of special and alternative education, intervention programs, and professional development solutions that generate academic gains and better life outcomes for students, today announced the acquisition of Desert Heights Academy (DHA), a special education services provider for students in the Phoenix area.
Desert Heights will join Catapult Learning’s Schools Group, which includes schools and programs specifically designed for special education students classified with both emotional and learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and those with behavior-based challenges. Desert Heights Academy marks Catapult Learning’s third program in Arizona, joining Sierra Academy of Scottsdale and Aurora Day School in Peoria.
“Upon meeting the team at Desert Heights, we knew we would be great partners,” said Andrea Vargas, president of Catapult Learning’s Schools Division. “The Catapult team is impressed by the programs and partnerships DHA has built with school districts, and together, we will continue doing everything possible to prepare students to achieve their best life outcomes.”
Founded in 2008, Desert Heights Academy enrolls more than 250 students with mild to severe developmental disabilities. The program at Desert Heights meets the individual needs of each student through the use of a highly-structured system that fosters functional life skill development, behavioral and academic growth and successful transitions among school, home, community and work settings.
“DHA has an outstanding record of success in expanding its reach to students while simultaneously helping them reach educational and behavioral goals,” said Jeff Cohen, CEO of Catapult Learning. “I am excited about the school’s future and realizing our combined vision of creating brighter futures for our students.”
Desert Heights’ leadership and staff will remain in place as they continue providing the same level of high-quality education and social-emotional support for students. The school’s day-to-day operations will remain unaffected by the change in ownership. As part of the acquisition, Catapult Learning also will operate Desert Breeze Transportation, a leading provider of transportation services for students with special needs, including those at DHA.
“All students deserve the opportunity to thrive, and we’re pleased to foster an environment where young people are encouraged to realize their full potential,” said Dr. Michael J. Redivo, executive director of DHA. “Being a part of the Catapult family will help strengthen our commitment to improving the lives of students we serve.”
Founded in 1976, Catapult Learning is an accredited, full-service instructional provider of proven intervention services, special education and alternative education programs, and professional development solutions. The company’s Schools Group—which includes over 60 in-district and standalone special education programs and schools—expertly and holistically meets the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of K–12+ students facing intensive learning, language, and social challenges. Implementing a signature education model that incorporates supportive therapies and life skills training, Catapult Learning emphasizes guiding students to success in and out of the classroom and optimally preparing them for next steps.
About Catapult Learning
Catapult Learning, Inc. has dedicated more than four decades to providing outstanding education solutions that generate demonstrable academic achievement and better life outcomes for students, regardless of their learning barriers or other challenges they may face. The company’s team of 5,600 educators works to achieve sustained academic gains and build teacher and leadership capacity through evidence-based programs that include intervention services, special education and alternative education programs, and professional development solutions. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, Catapult Learning partners with more than 500 school districts, including 18 of the 20 largest school districts in the United States.
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