The Joshua School

The Joshua School is a private, non-profit educational and therapeutic day treatment center for individuals and families challenged and enriched by autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. We are committed to building a community that offers the highest level of care and individual instruction for students, the most comprehensive array of services, and the strongest level of outreach and education regarding autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Located in Englewood, Colorado, The Joshua School serves children ages 2½ to 21 years. Our highly dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable faculty have years of expertise in the fields of autism, behavioral intervention, developmental disabilities, education, special education, mental health, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapies. We strive for balance in our approach, understanding that each student is unique and complex with varied interests, talents, and challenges. By taking the time to know our students, we build bonds with them and their families. In this structured, challenging, and encouraging environment, students discover themselves and the world around them.

Mission Statement

The Joshua School is committed to helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disability attain the highest quality of life, valuing each unique mind, body and spirit.

Philosophy

We believe that every student can learn and that every student has the right to the highest quality of life. We believe in educating the whole child respecting his/her unique strengths and learning styles. We believe that comprehensive education has both impact and longevity. Therefore, we believe in educating students and families in multiple settings: at school, in the community, and in the home.

Our History

The Joshua School was started by six educators who were working in a classroom for children with autism and developmental disabilities in the public schools. It had become very clear that a small school with controlled environment, budget, and personnel would have a more significant impact than what was possible in a larger system. In the Spring of 2002, a beloved student, Joshua, passed away. His death was the catalyst for moving forward in the creation of the school. It was a poignant reminder that every day matters and that every day must be lived to its fullest. The staff began developing curriculum, business plans, and a model for an independent school. Planning took place after school and on weekends for over two years. Along the way, a garage sale was held (to pay for non-profit status) and a fundraiser, the annual "Harvest Festival," was held at a local park with family and friends. This allowed them to purchase some basic materials, to become incorporated, and to market the school to the public. Finally, in the spring of 2005, The Joshua School held its first Spring Event to raise the seed money for a space to rent and for additional materials.

After nine years in the public school classroom, all six educators left their jobs, cashed in their retirements or savings, and rented a few small rooms in the Olinger Mansion in Denver, Colorado. In the Fall of 2005, after much effort, The Joshua School was licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services and approved by the Colorado Department of Education as an "eligible facility," allowing public schools and agencies to utilize services provided by TJS. The first student arrived in October 2005.

In 2006, The Joshua School won 5280's Unsung Heroes Award and received national recognition from U.S. Representative Diana DeGette for its contribution to the community and to education in Colorado.

To create an organization that was financially solid, teachers agreed to receive only a percentage of their salaries until the school was full enough to sustain itself. Starting with three teachers receiving 15% of their salaries and gradually increasing to nine teachers, it took two complete school years to reach a place of financial stability. In the summer of 2007, staff received their first full paychecks and The Joshua School was on its way.

The Joshua School now employs over twenty-two staff including: teachers, behavioral therapists, early intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, mental health workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, a music therapist, an art therapist, a nurse, and many other professionals. Our home is the historic Brown Mansion in Englewood, CO with over 1.5 acres of land and ample space including: six classrooms, a therapy gym, resource libraries, play rooms, a children’s library, a music room, daily living skills areas, vocational training rooms, and much more.