Side-by-Side Comparision

Side-by-Side Comparision: AZACS vs Traditional K-12 Arizona Schools vs. Private Arizona Schools

Category	Arizona Autism Charter Schools	Traditional K-12 School	Private Schools with ESA Funding
Tuition	None (tuition-free) More predictable public revenue sources	None (tuition-free) More predictable public revenue sources	Self-funded with tuition, grants and donations from others with ESA Program Funds may be available to offset some costs
Student Demographics	Open to all students, regardless of academic ability and physical and emotional challenges	Open to all students, regardless of academic ability and physical and emotional challenges	Highly selective process may limit enrollment based on selective criteria (academic achievement, ethnicity, gender, and religion)
School Culture	Unified and mission-driven for a greater impact Strong alignment with shared purpose for families VIDEO	Varied and may be bureaucratic	Varies depending on the school Wealthy private schools are competitive and often unreasonable expectations from parents
Student Instruction and Curriculum	Institutional hybrid model follows state-specific standards, but includes innovative techniques of proven ABA strategies and “3-station rotation” model for student success	State-Standardized curriculum but teaching to the test preparation is common, restricting teacher’s ability to employ unique techniques to foster greater intellectual exploration	Curriculum not limited by state standards Quality of education and curriculum model varies depending on wealth of donors
Teacher Voice	Easier access to Administrators Culture values initiative over bureacracy	Many administrative layers	NA
Career Growth	Clearer certification pathways and credential portability Rapid advancement opportunities AZACS Career Pathway Options LINK	Formal, slower, seniority-based Rigid and highly competitive	Fewer state oversight of certifications, so inconsistent instructional standards and fewer portable credentials
Class Sizes	Smaller class sizes	Large class sizes	NA
Student-to-Classroom Staff Ratio	3:1 at AZACS	Average in Arizona 22.7: 1	NA
School Culture	Close-knit community, strong relationships	Less personal and less collaborative	NA