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Ascent Academy

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM

 

We are looking for parents and other community partners to join us in exploring options for starting a private K-8 school for children with disabilities.  If you have been frustrated with the service that your child is getting in the local districts, join the conversation to build a new option. We will be looking for board members and other parent advocates that value our kids.  Please come and be a part of the solution!

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Location : Ascent Behavioral Analysis, 2685 Airport Rd in Helena. 

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How will the school work?

  • Small Class Size- 6 student per class

  • Goal- 24 student in 1st year

  • Class supported by at least 1 BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and 2 RBT's (Registered Behavior Technicians)

  • Positive Behavior Support at all times 

  • Students grouped based on ability and age

  • ​Parent involvement required! (spend time in class, volunteer for the board, advocate for funding, teach specialized topics, plan activities in the community, help the student participate in service projects)

  • Teachers will teach and ABA staff will support the students to engage in the learning

  • Limited use of technology in the classroom! This will be hands on learning with social interaction being taught in all activities

  • High expectations for each child with monthly parent meeting to discuss progress

  • Engagement in the community with frequent activities outside of the school building

  • Service oriented- our students need to learn to give to others and not always be the recipient of service.  They have something to give and should not be the center of their own world

  • Outside providers (OT, PT, Speech) will be welcome to provide services at the school 

  • Accreditation will be sought after two years

 

Ascent Behavioral Analysis
Shelley Burbank, M Ed, BCBA, LBA
2685 Airport Rd
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 442-6396

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How will this school be funded?
(Goal- Less than $100 per month for tuition out of pocket)

  • Grants

  • Scholarships

  • ABA support billed to private insurance and Medicaid

  • Title funds

  • Private pay

  • Big Sky Scholarship

  • Other legislative funding that may be approved in the 2027 Session (We will ask parents to advocate for funding bills)

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