FAQs
Matthew Reardon Center for Autism (MRCA)
MRCA is the umbrella organization. Our mission is to support children with autism and their families through education, advocacy, and community programs.
Advance Academy
Advance Academy is MRCA’s accredited, year-round day school. It serves children with autism and related developmental differences, providing academics, life skills, and individualized support.
Advocacy Services
Our Advocacy Program helps families navigate special education. Advocates work alongside parents to understand their child’s needs, review education plans (IEPs/504s), and collaborate with schools.
Community Learning
Community Learning programs offer workshops, training, and resources for families, educators, and community members to build skills, share knowledge, and create more inclusive environments.
Advance Academy is a year-round school dedicated to supporting children with autism. Our focus is on helping each student build the skills they need to thrive — not only academically, but also socially and emotionally — while learning to self-advocate.
Classrooms are structured with a 3:1 student-to-staff ratio, led by a certified special education teacher with support from a teacher assistant and/or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). This individualized environment ensures students receive the attention and support they need.
Because we operate year-round, our program helps prevent the regression that many children with autism experience during long summer breaks, providing consistency and stability for ongoing growth.
To begin, please complete the Inquiry Form (or call us at 912-355-9098). We’ll then schedule a tour, provide you with an admissions packet, and guide you through the application process. Advance Academy has rolling admissions; however, space is limited and we often have a waitlist.
For the 2025–2026 school year, tuition is $18,000.
Yes. We offer limited, need-based tuition assistance, which is usually allocated by August each year. In addition, most of our students benefit from the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program, which can significantly offset tuition costs.
Yes. We provide on-site consultative services in occupational therapy and speech/language therapy. Additionally, Coastal Pediatrics partners with us to offer students the option of private, on-site OT, PT or speech/language therapy.
We do not provide 1:1 ABA therapy at Advance Academy. However, we integrate ABA strategies into every classroom to support learning, communication, and behavior.
Our Advocacy Services are free to the community, thanks to funding from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Simply fill out the Advocacy Inquiry Form, and an advocate will contact you.
Yes. In addition to our current Community Learning workshop series, MRCA also partners with schools, agencies, and community groups. We can provide customized training, professional development, or facilitate discussions to help strengthen understanding and support for individuals with autism.
There are many ways to help:
- Make a donation to support our programs.
- Volunteer your time and talents.
- Call us to learn more about our current school wish list.
