Do you accept Arizona ESA funding?
Yes! DTBA is an approved ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) vendor. Tuition for eligible students is paid quarterly through the ClassWallet system. Families are expected to apply their full ESA award toward tuition. If your ESA award does not cover the full tuition amount, you may be eligible for additional scholarship support — a current ESA award letter is required.

What does tuition cost?
Tuition is tiered based on your child's level of support and is paid quarterly. All tiers include snacks, lunch, school supplies, and field trips.

K–5: Quarterly Tuition $8,500* / Annual Tuition $34,000*

📌 Snacks, lunch, school supplies, and field trips are all included in tuition — no surprise expenses!

When are tuition payments due?
Quarterly tuition payments are due within ten (10) calendar days of the start of each academic quarter. Payments are processed through the Arizona ESA ClassWallet system.

What is the refund policy?
Tuition is non-refundable once a quarterly payment has been received, including if a student withdraws before the end of the quarter. Tuition is also not credited or reduced for absences.

What does tuition include?

• Daily individualized instruction and educational support

• All curriculum and educational materials

• Arts and crafts supplies

• Daily morning snack, afternoon snack, and lunch

• School field trips and community-based learning experiences

• Quarterly family events

• Full-time staffing and school operations

What subjects are offered?
We offer a full range of core and enrichment subjects, including:

• Language Arts

• Math

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

• Social Sciences

• Music & Arts

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Life Skills

What curriculum do you use?
Our primary curriculum is The Autism Helper & Lexia Core — a data-backed program designed specifically for neurodiverse learners. STEM instruction uses hands-on kits, manipulatives, and experiments. Chromebooks are integrated for supplemental activities and games that support engagement.

Do students use technology?
Yes! Each student is provided with a school Chromebook during school hours. Technology is incorporated through educational apps, interactive lessons, and engaging activities in a structured, supervised way.

How do you assess student progress?
We use a variety of methods tailored to each student's individual needs, including observational notes, portfolio assessments, and individualized goal tracking. Progress considers sensory, social, and emotional growth alongside academics. Families receive quarterly progress reports and are welcome to request individual meetings at any time.

How do you define student success?
Because our students have varying needs and abilities, we focus on competency-based mastery rather than strict grade levels. At DTBA, mastery is defined as at least 80% proficiency across 80% of a given content area.

Is there homework?
DTBA is a no-homework school. However, optional extra practice materials can be provided upon request if families would like them.

What are the school hours?
School operates Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

What does a typical day look like?

8:50–9:10 AM — Drop Off / Arrival
9:10–9:20 AM — Morning Meetup
9:20–10:05 AM — Language Arts
10:05–10:50 AM — Math
10:50–11:30 AM — Snack & Recess
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Arts and Crafts
12:00–12:45 PM — Lunch & Recess
12:45–1:15 PM — Reading
1:15–2:05 PM — STEM
2:05–2:40 PM — Social Studies / SEL / Life Skills
2:40–2:55 PM — Snack & Clean Up
2:55–3:00 PM — Pick Up / Dismissal

What is the drop-off and pick-up policy?

• Drop-off window: 8:50 – 9:00 AM

• Pick-up window: 2:55 – 3:00 PM

• Parents/guardians must walk their child to the door at drop-off and hand them directly to a staff member.

• At pick-up, children will only be released to authorized adults via direct handoff.

• Curbside drop-off or unattended entry/exit is not permitted.

📌 Only adults listed on the student's authorized pick-up form may collect a child. Photo ID may be requested. If someone not on the list will pick up your child, notify the school in writing by 12:00 PM that day.

What is the late pick-up fee?
A fee of $10 is charged for every 15 minutes after 3:15 PM. Late pick-up charges are added to family billing records at the end of the month.

What should my child wear?
Comfortable, practical clothing appropriate for both indoor and outdoor activities. Socks are required every day. Families are also asked to keep a complete change of clothes (including extra socks) at school, replenished each quarter or as needed.

What about food allergies and lunch?
Snacks and lunch are included in tuition. Families must disclose all food allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions on enrollment forms and update the school promptly if anything changes. Students with severe or life-threatening allergies (including nut allergies) will have individual safety plans developed with families. Parents are also welcome to send preferred foods from home — please label all containers clearly.

How do you support sensory needs and emotional regulation?
Emotional regulation and sensory support are central to our approach. Our tools include:

• Visual schedules and predictable routines

• Sensory breaks and movement opportunities

• Sensory equipment: sensory swing, swivel chair, weighted vests, and daily sensory play

• Choice-based learning and co-regulation with trusted adults

• Individualized regulation plans discussed at enrollment and updated as needed

📌 Students are never punished for sensory or regulatory needs. We meet students where they are.

Do you offer speech, OT, or ABA therapy?
We do not provide these therapies directly at this time. However, your child's therapist is welcome to provide sessions during school hours at our location.

How do you handle behavior concerns?
We take a proactive, strengths-based approach to behavior. If a student's behavior presents a safety concern, staff will use all available de-escalation strategies before involving parents. If needed, families will be contacted to pick up their child, and a debrief will be scheduled within 24 hours. A behavioral support plan will be developed collaboratively. In extreme cases involving imminent danger, emergency services may be contacted and families notified immediately.

How can parents be involved?
Family involvement is a valued part of the DTBA community. Opportunities include:

• Assisting with special events and themed learning activities

• Supporting community outings and field trips

• Participating in parent forums and family check-ins

• Sharing professional skills, talents, or culturally relevant experiences

📌 All volunteers who work directly with students must complete a brief orientation and provide valid ID. Background checks may be required for recurring volunteers.

How does the school communicate with families?
We provide quarterly progress reports, in-person meetings, and ongoing communication via email and phone as needed. Ms. Dollar also offers family check-ins to discuss student progress and school updates.

• Primary contact: daretobeacademy@gmail.com

• Phone/SMS (urgent matters): 520-230-2272

• Non-urgent inquiries: response within the same business day

• Attendance notifications: please notify by 8:30 AM on the day of absence

• Messages received after 7:30 PM may be answered within 1–2 business days

Can I share photos from school events on social media?
Families are welcome to share photos of their own child taken at school or during field trips. Please do not post photos or videos that include other students without permission from their families. Feel free to share and repost official Dare To Be Academy social media content!

How often are field trips?
Field trips are a core part of the DTBA experience, providing hands-on community-based learning. Most are scheduled on Thursdays, often in the two weeks before school breaks to support smoother transitions. Field trip days are early release days — students are dismissed directly to their parents or guardians after the outing.

How will I know about upcoming field trips?
Families receive field trip details and permission slips approximately 2–4 weeks in advance. Dates and plans may occasionally change due to weather, venue availability, or other circumstances.