Crystal Academy

Founded by parents with a deep understanding of the special needs population, Crystal Academy (CA) is a special education school and premium therapy center for children and adolescents with Autism and related disorders. We provide academic education and therapeutic intervention with a holistic and individualized program for each child. Part of our responsibility is to think beyond day-to-day realities. Our older students work in vocational skills that have the potential to translate into job opportunities. Our school curriculum includes weekly community-based outings, living skills, behavior intervention, assisted technology, language arts, science and math, group music, art, sensory integration group speech, and PE. We collaborate with organizations like UM-NSU CARD in their internship and research programs on the best practices of behavior interventions, assessments, and treatments. We provide individual therapy for ABA, Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, and music during the day and after school.  The Crystal Academy students' input was influential in designing the inclusive Salvadore Park and the hues and messaging of the CGPD Autism Patrol Car. We have received several Proclamations from the City of Coral Gables and the City of Miami. In addition, Crystal Academy's collaboration was vital in the Emmy Awards Winner Documentary - Embracing Autism - A Coral Gables Story. Give Miami Day will help fund our scholarship program for tuition and individual therapies they desperately need. Thanks to you, Crystal Academy was able to grant more than 30k in scholarships for 2020-2021 and cover the costs for theater classes and inclusion opportunities at a nearby school and swimming program. Crystal Academy's Founder - Mary Palacio serves as the Chair for the Coral Gables Disability Advisory Board and has been selected to be part of the 11th Cohort of the Emerging Transformational Leadership Program at the Univ. of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development.