Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) - Lexington

Our Mission Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center’s mission is to serve children and families who are faced with unique learning challenges, specifically autism and learning disabilities, in and around the Roanoke Valley. Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education to serve students ages 2-22. BRAAC provides specialized educational programs in a private day school setting as well as direct and consultative educational services in public schools. An after-school tutoring program provides continuity and reinforces consistency for students and families. BRAAC also provides specialized services for children in their homes as well as in-home training for parents. All of these highly specialized services necessitate continued professional development, which BRAAC provides to its staff, local school divisions, community support professionals and family members. Our Purpose Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center is a day school licensed by the Virginia Department of Education which offers a highly structured program for students with learning disabilities and autism. The purpose of the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center is to provide each student with individual learning experiences aimed at promoting his/her growth and development. Staff members firmly believe that each student must be offered a variety of experiences based upon his/her need and capability. A professionally trained staff teaches the individually structured program. For students with learning disabilities, the method of instruction includes the sequential, multi-sensory, phonetic approach to the teaching of reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic. For the autism population, Applied Behavior Analysis utilizing methods such as Discrete Trial Therapy, Verbal Behavior, Task Analyses, etc., is individually implemented. Curiosity for and a love of learning should be fostered. The faculty believes that all students have learning potential, which the school must identify, stimulate, and nurture.