Blending Therapies & Academics

Don't sacrifice education for therapy, get both with Starlight Behavior Academy

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Play-Centered Learning

Experiential STEM and play-based learning opportunities are central tenets of our blended curriculum model

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In Center & Home Based Therapy

Starlight offers both in-clinic and home-based ABA services for all ages with unique school preparation and group experiences

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Partnered with Polaris Academy

Starlight is a sister school of Polaris Academy so qualifying students can enjoy continuity of education all the way through 12th grade

Our Vision & Mission

Our vision is for Starlight Behavior Academy to be a foundational education and life resource upon which children, parents, and the community can build a better future for those with autism and other neurodiversity conditions.

We will educate and empower: 1) our students to discover and act upon their diverse potential, 2) our parents to engage as trusted partners, 3) our professionals with adaptive tools to manage and accomplish social, academic, and behavioral goals, and iv) our community on the unique talents, strengths and opportunities our students can contribute socially, professionally, and beyond.

Starlight Behavior Academy will become more than a school, it will grow to become a living community of students, parents, and professionals working together to craft a culture of unity, belonging, discovery, and self-worth.

Our mission for Starlight Behavior Academy is to EMPOWER parents and students by creating academic and social resources to NAVIGATE autistic and other neurodivergent children towards a more purposeful, independent, and fulfilling future.

Our flexible education model combines grade level standards with individualized and comprehensive goals to promote student strengths, acknowledge student limitations, and ELEVATE each child to reach their full potential. By combining the experience of our school professionals, the dedication and unique talents of parents and children, and the resources of our community, Polaris Academy will propel its students on a path to greater joy, confidence, and achievement.

Empower • Navigate • Elevate

ABA Therapies In Clinic and At Home

Starlight incorporates an amazing ABA Therapy program offering services both at home and in clinic. ABA therapy can be transformational in early childhood development and our in-clinic experience offers both 1:1 and group integration techniques preparing children for social pairing and group dynamics essential for success in school and life. A unique Intentional Play Zone and School Readiness group center enhance an already amazing ABA program to equip our clients with the tools they need to grow and thrive.

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What Parents are Saying

Polaris Academy completely changed our lives—our son went from struggling in traditional school and homeschooling to thriving socially and academically. He’s more confident, excited about school, and supported by a truly understanding staff.

Amber

Parent

I’m so thankful to have found Polaris Academy for my son—his progress has been amazing, and we’ve both grown through this experience. The staff treats every child with care and teaches them that dreams have no limits.

Yolonda

Parent

Caroline

Parent

Our daughter went from failing kindergarten to thriving at grade level in reading and excelling in math, all thanks to Polaris Academy’s unique approach and supportive staff. Her confidence and love for learning have completely transformed.

John

Parent

Getting Harrison to school used to be a daily battle, but now he wakes up excited thanks to the nurturing environment at Polaris Academy. He’s made friends, opened up socially, and is growing every day.

Dena

Parent

Polaris Academy has completely changed my child's view of school—they actually want to go now!

Jeni

Parent

Polaris has helped my son feel confident, accepted, and socially connected—he even got invited to his first birthday party. The school teaches social skills with patience and kindness, which has made a huge impact.

Heidi

Parent

This school supports my child academically, socially, and emotionally, and the staff always go the extra mile. My daughter feels safe, happy, and loves her teachers and friends.

Jeanette

Parent

I love how Polaris makes learning fun and handles challenges with care and understanding. My son feels seen and supported.

Mindy

Parent

Meet Our Team

Starlight staff are uniquely trained with our proprietary autism supports delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for clients

Nathan & Darcy Palmer

Co-founders, Chief Executive Officer

Aaron Kaczmarek

Chief of School operations

Brad Broyles

Chief Financial Officer

Haley Palmer

Director of Early Learning Center

Rachel Crupi

Clinical Director & Director of Behavior Services

Sarah Boyd

Assistant Clinical Director

Krystal Schmier

Creative Operations Director

Discover the Starlight Difference

ABA Therapy and Academics combined

Self-Advocacy Skills

At Starlight we teach our students and clients that they have a voice and autonomy in the community. Self-Advocacy skills are embedded within everything we do, but individuals with autism often struggle getting their needs met, especially in high-stress situations. By focusing on our 3 key elements of self-advocacy:

• Understanding your needs

• Knowing what supports are available

• Communicating those needs to others; children are able to more fully find their voice and confidence in their expression.

Play-Based Approach / Circle Time

At Starlight, we embrace a naturalistic, child-centered, and play-based approach to learning that is supported by proven clinical, ABA, and other therapy techniques. This unique form of experiential learning prepares our students for growth and developmental success. Circle time is a key component of our learning experience inviting meaningful opportunities to engage and bond, and creating social learning opportunities in an intentional way.

Classroom Regulation / PDA

Incorporating ABA practices into our curriculum provides the framework for a truly regulated classroom environment. And because classroom ABA is not limited strictly to medical models, we can incorporate additional tools and techniques for other autism modalities such as PDA (or pathological demand avoidance) to provide more diversified experience for our students and more comprehensive resources for our staff. Our professional development efforts ensure that we are always looking ahead to the latest strategies and programs that will serve our students and enrich a culture of learning and growth.

Tuition & Insurance FAQs

Starlight Academy accepts ESA and STO payment programs as well as private pay, and clinic services incorporate most insurance plans.

A Unique Partnership: Polaris Academy

Starlight Behavior Academy is an affiliate brand of Polaris Academy, the Premier Arizona School for Autistic and Neurodivergent children serving grades 1-12. Polaris Academy incorporates unique experiential learning environments through their STEM Discovery Center, Culinary Lab, Intentional Play Gym, and Student Business Center to bring real-world education to its students. Like Starlight, Polaris classrooms are supported by integrated ABA and other therapy techniques right in the active learning environment. Instead of “aging out” of a clinic program, Starlight students can “age in” to Polaris Academy for continuity of education and a continued path of learning, development, and growth.

Visit Polaris Website

Introducing Polaris Connection

The Polaris Connection is the ultimate autism parenting podcast for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the world of autism and special needs. Each episode shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to support children with autism, strengthen family life, and connect with the broader autism community. Please subscribe so you can stay connected.

 Spotify  Apple Podcasts