School Program

Morgan Autism Center (MAC) is a non-profit, non-public school, certified by the California Department of Education and provides programming for more than 30 Bay Area school districts in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties. Morgan Autism Center’s school program serves students ages 5 to 22.

The students we serve are significantly impacted by autism and/or other developmental disabilities. The individuals we serve have significant challenges with social behavior, sensory integration, and communication. Students at Morgan Autism Center are referred to us through and funded by their public school districts. Each student’s day is specially designed through a collaboration between the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team members.

Our Education Model

Morgan Autism Center provides an individualized school program that is focused on positive interactions and teaching methods that maximize the potential of the students we serve. We provide a high student to staff ratio (one-to-one or small group) that enables us to build customized programs for each student. We use a comprehensive approach that targets multiple areas of development including communication, cognition, social behavior, as well as motor and self-help skills in order to create optimal opportunities for success.
We offer a high degree of flexibility to meet unique and changing educational needs, aligning our work with a student’s particular learning style. Our aim is the well-being and regulation of our students, optimizing their ability to learn. The result is a nurturing and joyful environment. Continuous assessment of student’s progress is integral to the program. Students at Morgan Autism Center graduate with a Certificate of Completion at the age of 22. For more information, visit our Who We Are page.

Teaching Strategies

Errorless learning
Positive, meaningful reinforcement
Use of visuals (First-then schedules)
Consistent and predictable environment
Routine schedules
Trust-based relationship building
Positive, proactive behavioral strategies
Total communication (Verbal, Sign-Language, Written and Communication Devices)

School Program Structure

A student’s school day unfolds in a carefully structured and supportive environment, with ongoing one-on-one interaction with trained staff. We have eight classrooms with roughly 8 to 10 students arranged by age and learning style. The schedule of the day is based on a 15-minute rotation, where students move from staff to staff. This practice provides an opportunity to work with each teacher and instructional aide in the classroom, leading to improved generalization and flexibility.

OUR CURRICULUM FOCUSES PRIMARILY ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS

  • Functional academics (from basic cognitive skills to reading, writing, composition, and math)
  • Communication
  • Sensory integration and regulation
  • Play and social skills
  • Specially designed physical education
  • Art and music activities

School Program Structure

A student’s school day unfolds in a carefully structured and supportive environment, with ongoing one-on-one interaction with trained staff. We have eight classrooms with roughly 8 to 10 students arranged by age and learning style. The schedule of the day is based on a 15-minute rotation, where students move from staff to staff. This practice provides an opportunity to work with each teacher and instructional aide in the classroom, leading to improved generalization and flexibility.

OUR CURRICULUM FOCUSES PRIMARILY ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS

  • Functional academics (from basic cognitive skills to reading, writing, composition, and math)
  • Communication
  • Sensory integration and regulation
  • Play and social skills
  • Specially designed physical education
  • Art and music activities
We place an emphasis on teaching vocational and independent living skills, both on-site and at a variety of community locations.

Team and Community Approach

Morgan Autism Center implements a team approach to learning. The team includes the parents, student, Special Education teacher and instructional aides, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists, Physical Education Coordinator, and Administration. Daily communication provides the opportunity for us to be engaged, transparent and responsive to parents and caregivers on a daily basis.

Students at Morgan Autism Center have the opportunity to interact with their typically developing peers from nearby schools in our reverse mainstreaming program. Students from various elementary, middle and high schools come on a regular basis to facilitate communication and social interaction with students in the school program. There are ongoing opportunities for community involvement such as local libraries, garden centers, grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, parks, fine arts institutions, etc. These outings provide experiences that benefit both our students and community members.

Our Partnerships

Speech Therapy Partnership

Something to Say AAC, Language and Speech Therapy Inc., is the newest partner of Morgan Autism Center as of August 2022.  Something to Say is a family centered practice that focuses on building relationships to support communication. They provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Language and Speech Therapy services. Our therapists specialize in Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), and are also trained in The Hanen Center’s ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ and “More Than Words” programs for preschool children with autism or language delays, PROMPT and basic American Sign Language (ASL). Under the Morgan Autism Center model, students receive speech therapy within their own classrooms, for a total of one hour per week to work on their communication goals.

They also receive group therapy each week with 3-4 of their peers to work on social and other communication skills. Our speech therapists work closely with the IEP team to incorporate functional communication for our students across all settings. Something to Say believes that everyone has something to say and everyone deserves to be understood.

Occupational Therapy Partnership

Laughing Giraffe Therapy, a private Occupational Therapy (OT) practice located in San Jose, is proud to partner with Morgan Autism Center to provide students with high quality, student-centered OT services. Interventions and IEP goals are designed to support each student’s unique fine and gross motor, self-care, and sensory-regulatory needs to ensure success throughout their school day and in their lives. Sensory regulation is foundational to learning.

OT services at Morgan Autism Center prioritize engaging our students in sensory-motor activities that support their ability to maintain an optimal level of arousal for learning and engagement. Services are provided throughout the campus and in the well-equipped OT gym. Individual, direct services and consultative services are provided by our team of experienced OTs who value collaboration with the educational team and families to best serve our amazing students.
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What People Are Saying About Us

Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

“Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!”

Alyssa Lupo-Zulueta
Parent of student Azalea
Alyssa Lupo-Zulueta
Parent of student Azalea
Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

I have seen so much improvement in Jack and Stephen since they started school at Morgan Autism Center last fall. Their behavior at home, willingness to try new things and overall happiness has improved so much. The ability to attend a school that adapts to their needs and makes activities as inclusive as possible has made their experience at school more positive and successful while supporting their individual strengths and needs.

Katelynn Moriarty
Sibling of students Jack and Stephen Moriarty
Katelynn Moriarty
Sibling of students Jack and Stephen Moriarty
Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

“As I read the article about my grandson, Benji, in the MAC newsletter, it got me reflecting on the teaching style that your school specializes in. There is no failure or fault with a student’s efforts. Instead there are challenges or missed opportunities. Everything is put in a positive spin. The child comes to the understanding that he may have to try harder to achieve a task or behavior, that some extra focus may bring success, and that his extra efforts will be appreciated and rewarded.”

Mike & Rosalind Bergman
Grandparents of student Benji
Mike & Rosalind Bergman
Grandparents of student Benji
Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

“(Executive Director) Brad Boardman and Morgan Autism Center create hope and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By implementing community education programs that train a range of stakeholders—including law enforcement, educators, families—a relatively small school and adult program has achieved a significant positive impact on our community.”

Sheryl Munoz-Bergman
Parent of student Benji
Sheryl Munoz-Bergman
Parent of student Benji
Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

“MAC has improved the lives of hundreds of families and individuals with autism. And it serves as an ongoing model for how people with disabilities can be loved, taught and cherished for their contributions.”

Elisabeth Einaudi
Parent of student Harry
Elisabeth Einaudi
Parent of student Harry
Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

“Morgan Autism Center has supported us to support our daughter. They have listened to our concerns and helped strategize solutions.”

Theresa Oller
Parent of student Maria
Theresa Oller
Parent of student Maria
Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!

“The Morgan Center, by helping Harry grow not just as a student but as a person, helped my whole family.”

Emily Collins
Sibling of student Harry
Emily Collins
Sibling of student Harry

“Azalea started at Morgan Autism Center when she was 6 years old. She’d previously been in classes that we’re not at all suitable. Within weeks of joining MAC, she started to transform. She opened up, laughed more, communicated better, and showed more affection. She is in a place where she is accepted and loved for who she is. What a gift!”

Alyssa Lupo-Zulueta
Parent of student Azalea

"I have seen so much improvement in Jack and Stephen since they started school at Morgan Autism Center last fall. Their behavior at home, willingness to try new things and overall happiness has improved so much. The ability to attend a school that adapts to their needs and makes activities as inclusive as possible has made their experience at school more positive and successful while supporting their individual strengths and needs."

Katelynn Moriarty
Sibling of students Jack and Stephen Moriarty

“As I read the article about my grandson, Benji, in the MAC newsletter, it got me reflecting on the teaching style that your school specializes in. There is no failure or fault with a student’s efforts. Instead there are challenges or missed opportunities. Everything is put in a positive spin. The child comes to the understanding that he may have to try harder to achieve a task or behavior, that some extra focus may bring success, and that his extra efforts will be appreciated and rewarded.”

Mike & Rosalind Bergman
Grandparents of student Benji

“(Executive Director) Brad Boardman and Morgan Autism Center create hope and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By implementing community education programs that train a range of stakeholders—including law enforcement, educators, families—a relatively small school and adult program has achieved a significant positive impact on our community.”

Sheryl Munoz-Bergman
Parent of student Benji

“MAC has improved the lives of hundreds of families and individuals with autism. And it serves as an ongoing model for how people with disabilities can be loved, taught and cherished for their contributions.”

Elisabeth Einaudi
Parent of student Harry

“Morgan Autism Center has supported us to support our daughter. They have listened to our concerns and helped strategize solutions.”

Theresa Oller
Parent of student Maria

“The Morgan Center, by helping Harry grow not just as a student but as a person, helped my whole family.”

Emily Collins
Sibling of student Harry
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