Staff and students of the Texas Autism Academy cut the ribbon on a new building during a joint ceremony Sept. 18 with the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce.

Two-minute impact

The Texas Autism Academy, now located at 32605 Tamina Road, Magnolia, is a private school for children on the autism spectrum. According to the school's website, the academy provides students with:

• Individualized educational and behavioral plans
• A full curriculum of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, music and physical education
• A maximum student-teacher ratio of 7-2
• Teachers and faculty that are trained in applied behavior analysis

Academy board Chair Steve Leakey said the school also received full accreditation through Cognia, and students who graduate from the Texas Autism Academy will receive the equivalent of a The Woodlands High School diploma.

Also of note

The Texas Autism Academy is partnering with Spectacular Kids for the new location.

Spectacular Kids is an applied behavior analysis therapy and consulting service that helps individuals diagnosed with autism and related disorders. Services listed on the business's website include:

• Applied behavior analysis therapy to increase developmental and functional skills
• Occupational therapy to help address skills such as handwriting, feeding and sensory processing
• School district consultations
• Trainings and workshops on a variety of topics related to autism

Spectacular Kids is partnering with the Texas Autism Academy to provide a part-time pre-K service.

Notable quote

“We are very excited about our new building,” Texas Autism Academy President Cary Mollinedo said. "It feels fresh and new, and we are excited to be in Magnolia. We're excited about working with the local community, supporting it and [the community] supporting us back."

Editor's note: This story was updated to include the school accreditation information.