The FIRE Academy
K–12 Online Learning for Children with Autism & Significant Developmental Delays
Preparing Students for Lifelong Independence
The FIRE Academy, a program within Ignite Learning Academy, offers accredited education to children in grades K–12 with learning disabilities, autism, and other significant developmental delays who will thrive when working in a self-contained special education environment.
All curriculum used is specifically designed for students with developmental disabilities to teach academic, life, and social skills.
Students who have an IEP or 504 Plan, or who have participated in special education services in the past, will thrive at ILA. Those with special learning needs, anxiety, OCD, or other mental illness will find ILA to be a safe environment where they're free to explore online learning on their own terms—with the support of their parent/coach and teacher who passionately cares about the child's success.
Students working in courses below grade level meet live with their assigned special education teacher to receive targeted intervention and support in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The frequency of these meetings is driven by student need, and all support is in a small-group setting. We carefully monitor academic growth throughout the year to ensure your child is progressing and thriving!
Tuition May Be Fully Covered
Arizona families may qualify for a scholarship that fully covers the cost of tuition at ILA. Other states may have scholarships available that fully or partially cover the cost of tuition as well.
Self-Contained Daily Support
For students with significant developmental delays.
- Small-group daily live classes with similarly aged peers
- Most learning coach support at home
- Life skills, socialization & independence
- Self-contained instructional model
- Live class attendance required
Structured Self-Contained Classes
Small groups taught by a special education teacher across all grade bands.
- Special education teacher delivers core academics
- 30–60 minute live classes per subject
- Learning coach required nearby
- Self-contained instructional model
- Available for Elementary, Middle & High School
General Ed with Resource Support
For students working closer to their academic grade level.
- Placed in general education courses
- Small-group support from special education teacher
- Executive functioning support available
- Building toward greater independence
- Resource teacher partnership
Level 2 by Grade Band
Elementary
Small group with similar educational needs. Independent asynchronous work 15–30 min/day outside of class. Life skills embedded in academics.
Middle School
Small group with academic subjects taught by special education teacher. Asynchronous work builds knowledge in core curriculum areas.
High School
Focus on goal setting, study skills, and organization. Skills support social-emotional learning—perseverance, teamwork, and life after high school.
Clubs, Activities & Open House
All FIRE students are invited to participate in virtual clubs and activities with disabled and non-disabled peers. Clubs are fun and engaging, teach new skills, allow children to explore areas of interest, and practice socialization skills with other ILA students.
A Connection-First Curriculum
Our active curriculum allows us to make a connection with children in a way they're capable of retaining information—by experiencing the world! Nurturing children's curiosity has been proven to accelerate their learning, furthering their language skills, developing their social and emotional skills, and fostering their imagination.
The academic curriculum used in FIRE Level 1 early elementary utilizes a variety of curriculum and instructional methods, all aligned to nationally recognized standards, with comprehensive materials including manipulatives, photo cards, and other instructional tools.
Academic strands are divided into ability levels with varying levels of caregiver support in the home. In all situations, we work toward student independence, while recognizing individual needs and their required level of support.
Daily Live Classes
FIRE students attend daily live classes that teach academic, life, and social skills. All curriculum is leveled based on your child's abilities to ensure they receive appropriate math, reading, science, and social studies instruction.
Students enjoy physical exercises, science experiments, and learning to interact with other students through intentionally designed activities.
A Strong School Community
We believe school community is a pillar of academic and social learning. Your child is invited to attend clubs, activities, virtual and in-person field trips, school assemblies, virtual class parties, and graduation ceremonies.
We look forward to partnering with parents, caregivers, therapists, and students to ensure your child THRIVES in the FIRE Academy!
Online Learning in the FIRE Program
FIRE students receive daily instruction in the following subjects based on age and ability level:
Tuition: The FIRE Academy
Multiple tuition options are available, including scholarship programs that may fully cover the cost of attendance.
ILA accepts Arizona Empowerment Scholarships (ESA) and Arizona Tax Credits (STO) to cover or offset the cost of tuition. Payment plans are available.
Is FIRE the Right Fit for Your Family?
The best way to learn more about our approach is by attending a Virtual Open House! Get an in-depth look at how the curriculum can be tailored to your child's learning style, preferences, and needs.
