welcome to spiritos school

A Special Education School for Supportive, Compassionate Learning

Serving Neurodiverse Students from Pre-K – Grade 8
Located in Midlothian, Virginia

Child high fiving her teacher at Spiritos School, a special education school

Our Philosophy

Spiritos School stands out among special education schools by embracing a compassionate, trauma-informed education approach that prioritizes safety, understanding, and support. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where students with autism, behavioral challenges, and other unique needs can learn, grow, and thrive. By combining individualized care with a strong sense of community, our philosophy empowers students to reach their fullest potential. At Spiritos School, every child is valued, supported, and equipped for success in a creative and nurturing space.

What Sets Us Apart from Other Schools?

Our Model For Success

two links showing connection in the success model

Connection

At Spiritos School, building strong, positive relationships with our students is where it all begins. Our staff prioritize creating meaningful connections through pairing and rapport-building, laying the foundation for a healthy and supportive bond. By fostering an environment rooted in respect, trust, and safety, we ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and included.

super hero showing empowerment

Empowerment

During this phase of development, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and explore new opportunities, supported by regular preference assessments. Positive praise and constructive feedback are central to the approach, helping build confidence and motivation. Teaching is tailored to each student’s level while promoting autonomy and decision-making skills. With a strong focus on strengths and abilities, the environment fosters creativity and empowers students to grow and succeed.

Hand showing plant growing for success model

Growth

This stage marks an exciting period of growth, as students gain confidence and begin retaining new skills. We guide them through their journey toward greater independence, gradually reducing support and shaping additional skills to help them continue building on their successes.

Rocket with upward arrow and blocks to represent advancement at special education school

Advancement

Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for a successful transition to a less restrictive setting where they can thrive. This involves helping them generalize their skills across various environments and with different people, ensuring they are equipped for real-world challenges. We foster autonomy, support their personal goals and ambitions, and connect them with additional resources within their network to build a strong foundation for their next chapter.

Books and graduating cap showing the commitment to academic excellence

Academic Excellence Aligned with Virginia Standards

We are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF), ensuring the highest standards for your child’s education. Our curriculum is designed for children ages 2 to 15, helping them learn and grow at or as close to grade level as possible. As a leading special education school, we align our programs with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), Virginia’s Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP), and Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning to provide a tailored, well-rounded education that prepares each child for future success.

Blue calendar in a circle for Spiritos School

2024 – 2025 Academic Calendar

Stay organized and prepared with the 2024-2025 school calendar from Spiritos School! Designed to keep you informed, it includes all the key dates, events, and holidays for the year ahead. As a leading special education school, we know how important it is for families to stay on top of their schedules.

Download the calendar today and get ready for every step of your child’s exciting school year!

What Our Parents Are Saying…

The walls of Spiritos are painted with support and understanding. Team Spiritos is caring and personally involved with each child’s growth, development and most importantly the child’s happiness.

Parent of former student

Our experience with Spiritos was excellent. Our son learned so many skills and had so many great experiences that it would be difficult to list. Behaviors were positively reinforced as they guided our son to learn new routines, understand classroom dynamics, and pick up on social cues throughout each day. Their attention to data-driven goals and metrics and personal hands-on experience with our son make Spiritos stand out from the rest. Highly recommend!

Parent of former student

Our quality of life has improved a great deal since our daughter started at Spiritos. She comes home happy almost every afternoon and leaves the house filled with excitement for the day ahead.

Parent of former student