Your partner in education.

Academy

At Santiago & Friends Academy, our private school program helps students with autism take meaningful steps forward with confidence and clarity. We nurture growing independence while supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional development through individualized, ABA-based instruction.


Our bilingual classrooms are intentionally designed to reduce overwhelm and increase focus, while still encouraging engagement and curiosity. Through structured academics, guided social interaction, language development, and hands-on learning experiences, students strengthen literacy, numeracy, communication, and daily living skills. Every lesson is purposeful. Every goal is individualized.



Our educators and behavior professionals work closely together to ensure each child feels understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Parents are active partners in the journey, creating consistency between school and home.

Our approach

Learning through Structure and Confidence

At Santiago & Friends Academy, we believe learning should be intentional, personalized, and empowering. Through evidence-based ABA strategies, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement, students build strong foundations for long-term success.

Why learn through Structure?

Structure provides clarity. When children understand what is expected and experience consistent routines, anxiety decreases and confidence increases. Skills are broken into manageable steps, allowing students to master concepts at their own pace and experience real success.

Why learn through Confidence?

Confidence transforms learning. By celebrating progress — whether academic, behavioral, or social — we help students believe in their abilities. That belief fuels independence, resilience, and the courage to take on new challenges.

At Santiago & Friends Academy, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all education. We believe in meeting each child where they are — and guiding them forward with purpose.

Preschool schedule

Founded by educators with years of experience in early childhood development, our Preschool program combines structure and imagination to create a balance between guided learning and free exploration.

8:00-9:00

Drop-off, free play, and breakfast

9:00-9:15

Circle time and group discussion

9:15-10:00

Literacy or numeracy activity

10:00-10:30

Snack time

11:30-12:00

Creative arts or science discovery

12:00-13:00

Lunch and quiet time

13:00-14:30

Story time or themed projects

14:30-16:00

Small group play and reflection

16:00-17:00

Free play and pick-up

Everything you need to know

We’re here to make your family’s experience smooth and worry-free. Explore our most frequently asked questions about care, routines, and learning at Santiago & Friends.

  • What are your grade levels?

    We welcome children from PK - 12th grade. Feel free to book a tour to see the spaces for each age group, meet the staff and decide for yourself if Santiago & Friends is right for your child.


  • What are your operating hours?

    Sunberry Daycare is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering full-day and part-day options to best suit your family’s schedule.

  • What is your staff-to-child ratio?

    Our classrooms are structured around a 8:1 student to teacher ratio. Students are assigned an RBT to help mitigate behaviors that might hinder academics. 

  • How do you handle meals and snacks?

    Santiago & Friends clients are responsbile for bringing snacks and a pre-made lunch for their therapy day. A refillable water bottle is requested. 

  • How do you support early learning?

    All children enrolled will go through a complete ABA Assessment with Santiago and Friends if a child is not already a client of S&F, this will be an additional fee required upon enrollment. Additional diagnostic test is given to determine the student’s academic ability, identify any learning gaps, and effectively place the student into the curriculum.

  • How do I report misconduct?

    All of our staff instructional or non-instructional  are required by law to have a FBI background check by FDLE as per Department of Education if working on school premises with children present. Our teacher’s hold at least a Bachelor’s diploma, three years experience, or certification. Supporting classroom aids hold a RBT certification or are in the process of attaining one. All employees and agents of a public school district, charter school or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. Failure to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment and revocation of an educator’s certificate.


    1-800-96-ABUSE

  • What is the tuition for your private school?

    Tuition at Santiago & Friends Academy is individualized based on each child’s specific needs, level of support, and educational program. Because we provide specialized, ABA-based instruction, small classroom settings, and bilingual support, tuition reflects the level of services required to ensure meaningful progress.


    After reviewing your child’s records and meeting with your family, we will provide a clear tuition plan and discuss available scholarship and funding options.


    Our goal is to provide high-quality, individualized education while helping families access the financial resources available to them.

  • Do you accept the FES-UA Scholarship?

    Yes! Please click on a logo below to apply. 

  • How do I apply?

    Complete the application link at the top of the webpage and we will be in touch. 

  • What is the Academy's schedule?

    Santiago & Friends Academy follows its own academic calendar. In the event of severe weather or unforeseen emergencies, the school may close as needed, with timely communication provided to families.

Tuition

Santiago & Friends Academy understands how deeply you value your child’s education — and we are committed to making high-quality, individualized learning accessible for families.



We offer flexible payment options and accept Florida scholarship programs for eligible students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Our team is happy to guide you through available funding options and next steps.

Educational Options:

Traditional School Program


Students attend school five days per week in a structured, in-person learning environment. Instruction is individualized based on each student’s academic and developmental needs, with daily teacher-led lessons, social skill development, hands-on learning activities, and consistent classroom support designed to help students reach their full potential.


PEP Hybrid Learning Program


Students attend school two days per week for direct, in-person instruction while completing guided learning at home during the remaining school days. Families utilize a combination of online curriculum, standards-based lesson plans, and portfolio activities, with ongoing teacher support and regular progress monitoring to ensure students stay on track academically.


Click here to learn more.

Want to learn more about scholarships? Click on a logo below!

Florida DOE

Step Up For Students

AAA Scholarship

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out - we'd love to connect and answer any question you may have.