JSA Saint
Click Here To Support JSA & Saint VIP Event
About JSA
Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA) is a not-for-profit, private school established in 2005 as a full-service K-12 and post graduate educational center for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). JSA exists because it fulfills a critical need for neurodiverse children and young adults on the spectrum unable to find education, therapeutic services or job placement elsewhere in their communities.
JSA redefines education by providing an integrative, comprehensive and sustainable approach, bringing under one roof, all the critical therapeutic supports and modalities of education required for a child to be successful with an ASD diagnosis. Focusing on whole child development and individualized programs, JSA implements an ‘outside of the desk’ formula that harnesses each students’ unique abilities, creating a place not just for learning, but an environment that nurtures their full potential, cultivating meaningful relationships and to be seen beyond their diagnosis.
No student is turned away regardless of the severity of diagnosis, this is what differentiates JSA, our mission of inclusivity where every individual deserves an opportunity for support and growth. Our secret sauce includes an intensive 1:1 ratio of dedicated professionals equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and resources to educate any student across the spectrum. JSA is as unique in its approach as the children we serve. Interwoven into the very fabric of what our program stands for is the necessity for each student to develop independence while improving the quality of their lives. Removing the layers of isolation, we are creating an inclusive environment for each student to be themselves in order to educate, engage and inspire.
Our parents say it best, “JSA has brought hope to me as a parent. Leaving my family in Japan and coming to Jacksonville was life altering, but JSA has singlehandedly made everything worthwhile.”- Yuko Martin, JSA Parent.
A note from Michelle Dunham, JSA Founder & Executive Director
As a parent, receiving a diagnosis of autism is like receiving a death sentence for the child you dreamed of having. It’s an emotional roller coaster taking you from fear to anger, to utter uncertainty of not knowing what the future may hold. For Nick to receive the services his diagnosis demands, we were constantly on the go, driving from one appointment to the next, one therapist to the next, to the point of complete exhaustion. The infrastructure we needed did not exist. Nick had no form of normalcy and was slowly losing his childhood. Out of desperation, I had no other choice but to leave my own career and help my son full time. I created JSA in order to provide a more comprehensive and sustainable life for Nick. Bringing together all the critical therapeutic supports and modalities of education, connecting the pieces that were too decentralized to make an impact. It’s this journey that led me to create not just a school, but a community that has supported my son in all facets. Today, the inspiration and hope still persists, not only to help my son but the myriad of others walking the same path.
Emergency Funding Need
Recently, Jacksonville School for Autism faced an unexpected crisis — a severe sewage overflow that caused extensive damage. This disaster has left us with mounting costs, disrupted our daily programs, and displaced all of our staff and students. Getting our students into school is critical for their development and well-being. For many children with autism, consistency and routine are key to their success, helping them manage anxiety, build essential skills, and thrive in a structured environment. The disruption caused by the flood has created challenges that go beyond physical damage — it has impacted their daily routines, therapies, and learning progress. Returning to a familiar and supportive school setting not only restores this sense of stability but also ensures they receive the specialized education and care they rely on.
The River Restaurant Group – Saint VIP Event is dedicated to supporting clean-up efforts, helping displaced staff and students, and replacing items lost in the flood. Each contribution brings us closer to rebuilding and restoring the vital programs that serve our students.
Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we will overcome and continue making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.