Phoenix school for students with autism offers college credits through ASU partnership

PHOENIX — A school that serves students with high-functioning autism in Phoenix is partnering with Arizona State University to offer college credits.

Gateway Academy students can start taking the college-level courses in the eighth grade and have the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree or certificate by the time they graduate from high school.

Established in 2005, Gateway is a private day school for students with autism in grades 6-12.

The dual-enrollment classes, which are part of the Accelerate ASU program, will begin in July.

ASU will train Gateway educators to teach the classes using the university’s curriculum and coursework.

ASU program provides opportunities for students with autism

Anthony Terrill, Gateway Academy’s director of education, said the program includes real-world experience for students with autism.

“Not only are they getting that ASU credit, but what makes our teachers great is they’re supplementing that stuff with field trips,” he said.

Terrill added that the classes give students the opportunity to figure out a career field before they graduate high school.

Alex Marsh, a Gateway 10th grader, plans to take college-level classes in computer systems engineering. He said he wants to eventually major in the field, and this program allows him to start learning now.

“We live in Arizona, so it’s a great place to get in that degree, but that’s [just] part of it,” he said. “Also, I want to balance challenging myself with seeking or using skills I already possess, and I think computer engineering is a balance for that.”

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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