(602) 539-0150

ESA-approved

About us

Dedicated to empowering every learner.

At GLA, every child is seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Our story

Goodwin Learning Academy was founded to reimagine what's possible in special education. Born from both professional expertise and personal experience, GLA was created to serve students with autism and other disabilities through individualized, high-quality instruction that meets them where they are and helps them grow beyond it.

Today, we proudly serve families across Arizona through our ESA-approved K–12 programs, offering in-home, virtual, and on-campus instruction.

The reception area at Goodwin Learning Academy, with a hand-lettered sign reading I'm so glad you are here

From the founder

Why we built this school

Hear from Aidan as he shares what makes Goodwin Learning Academy such a unique and meaningful place for students and families.

Read the transcript

“If you’re here, you’ve likely been searching for support you’re not finding at school, searching for a community that sees your child’s strengths. Here at Goodwin Learning Academy, we are a private special-education school serving students with autism and other disabilities and diverse learning needs through highly individualized one-to-one and small group instruction. Our students deserve more than just getting through school. They deserve to belong, and that’s what we’re here to do.”

Our approach to education

Evidence-Based Practices

We utilize proven instructional methods, and we coordinate therapeutic services through our partners. Our team works collaboratively with them to ensure each student receives comprehensive support across academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains. See Integrated Support Services for who provides what.

Individualized Learning Plans

Every student's education is tailored to their unique strengths, challenges, and goals. We work closely with families to develop and implement personalized learning strategies that promote growth and independence.

Family Partnership

Parents are active partners in their child's education. We maintain open communication, provide regular progress updates, and collaborate on goals and strategies to ensure consistency between school and home.

Inclusive Environment

We celebrate neurodiversity and create a supportive community where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our mission, vision & values

  • Our Mission

    To unlock each student's unique potential through connection, compassion, and evidence-based instruction tailored to their strengths and needs.

  • Our Vision

    A future where all students, regardless of disability, have access to education that celebrates their individuality and prepares them for success beyond school.

  • Core Values

    • Excellence in Education
    • Compassion & Understanding
    • Individualization
    • Resilience & Growth

Funding

Is Goodwin Learning Academy ESA-approved?

Yes. Goodwin Learning Academy is ESA Approved by the Arizona Department of Education and fully approved to accept Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funding, making quality special education accessible to all Arizona families. Learn how the program works, and how we help families apply, in our ESA funding guide.

  • Licensed Private School
  • State Standards Aligned
  • Qualified Teaching Professionals

Leadership

Meet our leadership

Learn more about the educators, leaders, and support staff who guide individualized learning and student services at GLA.

  • Aidan Goodwin - CEO & Founder

    Aidan Goodwin

    CEO & Founder

    Born from both professional expertise and personal experience.

    Aidan founded Goodwin Learning Academy to reimagine what's possible in special education.

  • Kristin Ortega - Executive Director

    Kristin Ortega

    Executive Director

    Her commitment runs deeper than credentials. As a special needs mom, she has sat on both sides of the IEP table.

    Kristin serves as Executive Director at GLA, functioning at the COO level across all company operations.

Meet Our Team

Quick answers

Questions parents ask

What makes Goodwin Learning Academy different?

One-to-one instruction with a qualified teaching professional, at home, on-campus, or online, from kindergarten through high school. Goodwin Learning Academy is ESA-approved, and full tuition coverage is available for qualifying Arizona families through the ESA program.

Have more questions? Browse every answer on our FAQ page.

What parents tell us.

Families in their own words, shared with their permission.

  • “GLA has been exactly what our child needed. The staff took the time to understand how our child learns, what motivates them, and where they needed support. We have seen growth not only academically, but also in confidence, communication, and independence. GLA has created a safe and supportive environment where our child feels seen and successful.”
    Elementary Parent
  • “My son has grown tremendously at GLA, especially in his self-advocacy skills. I have been so impressed by how the program and teachers identified the gaps in his foundational reading skills and built him up from there. He went from struggling with reading to now reading everything he can get his hands on. GLA has filled in years' worth of gaps and helped him believe in himself as a learner.”
    Middle School Parent
  • “I cannot say enough good things about GLA. Aidan has created a safe, nurturing environment for students who have previously been pushed aside. My son has grown tremendously in his academics and truly loves coming to school. He never wants to miss a day, which is a night-and-day difference from where we were before GLA.”
    High School Parent
  • “I can't thank Aidan and Kristin enough for all they have done and created for my daughter. They designed a program tailored to meet her needs, saw her strengths, and lifted her up in the areas where she could grow. I have seen a tremendous change in her self-confidence and drive. GLA gave her exactly what she needed to succeed.”
    2026 Graduate Parent

Next step

Come see GLA for yourself.

Tour our campus, or meet with us by video call, whichever works best for your family.

Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM