Desert Sun Academy explores programs to recapture students and enhance special education services

The Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) is taking bold steps to enhance educational opportunities for students with special needs and those at risk of dropping out. During the recent Governing Board meeting on April 22, 2025, officials discussed innovative strategies to recapture funds currently spent on private day school tuition, which amounts to approximately $2 million annually.

The district is exploring the establishment of a program at Desert Sun Academy to serve students with severe disabilities, potentially reducing costs significantly. By running the program in-house, CCUSD estimates it could operate for under $500,000, compared to an external agency's minimum fee of $800,000 for just two classrooms. This approach not only aims to save money but also allows for greater flexibility in meeting the unique needs of students.

Additionally, the district is addressing the issue of students at risk of dropping out. Currently, an estimated 20 to 40 students each year are not completing their education, often misclassified as "online" learners. CCUSD has piloted a successful dropout prevention program that has seen chronically absent students return to school without missing a day.

In a related initiative, the district is also looking to expand preschool options at Long Mountain, aiming to create a pipeline of students entering the school system. Plans include launching classrooms for two- and three-year-olds, which could not only generate revenue but also provide continuity for families as their children progress to kindergarten.

CCUSD is committed to enhancing educational access and support for all students, with these initiatives reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the diverse needs of its community. The district plans to continue exploring these options, with the hope of implementing them in the near future.