Breakthrough Academy 3427 East Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032

"I was a student here. (I'm 17 now and very happy & productive at autism academy) breakthrough were welcoming the first year, but the moment I was a regular, they took a complete 180. they say they care for special needs, but all they do is put students in a room in front of computers. the learning programs used are intended for neurotypical individuals. see how that can be a problem? they don't account for the variety in neurodivergence, instead focusing on behavioural issues that are the result of bad parenting. they treat every student like they're just bad kids. I simply have autism and ADHD, so I was essentially getting emotionally beat down for something out of ANYONE'S control! If that's not abuse, I don't know what is. not all the staff were terrible people, but their system was emotionally abusive. (probably why all the actually good people left after a week) I was experiencing self-destructive thoughts after two years there. they did nothing to be remotely understanding, instead downplaying a genuine mental health problem caused by their lack of intuition. for anyone who has also experienced depression, you should know now terrible this can be, because then, not only do you think you and everyone else would be better without you, but you also feel isolated, shunned for something out of your control. of course, productivity plumited with my mental health. My wonderful parents pulled me out, thankfully. I'm not sure if I'd still be here if I hadn't been. the thought terrifies me."

"I highly recommend this school to anyone who has a child with special needs. The teachers and staff have helped my daughter so much. She used to hate school now she can’t wait to go and learn everyday. Thank you Breakthrough for all you do for Malorie."

"We are very happy with the support and growth we’ve seen for our son since he became a BTA Bobcat, definitely seeing breakthroughs each school year! The caring staff and administration have made all the difference for him!!"

"My daughter has had nothing but positive growth at AZ Breakthrough. The staff is amazing and care for her as if she were their own. Her academic skills have taken off in such a short period of time and her behaviors are turning around. The owner, Kristina, is very responsive and understands exactly what my daughter needs in order to be successful (along with the rest of the incredible staff). We are very happy with our decision to send our daughter here. Thank you, AZ Breakthrough Academy!"

"This place is terrible, if I could give it 0 stars I would. The staff is horrible and abusive and no one offers support. I’m very disappointed and had to remove my child immediately. Kristina Blackledge is the worst person who could run the school."