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Teacher and student working together at a table on a hands-on lesson at A Better Chance School.
SchoolRichmond, CA

A Better Chance School / ABC School - Richmond

Grades and ages

Grades K-12 & up to 22

Tuition

Tuition paid by school districts; no charge to families

About A Better Chance School / ABC School - Richmond

A Better Chance School, operated by the California Autism Foundation, is a nonpublic certified school at 4138 Lakeside Drive in Richmond, California. It serves children and young adults ages 6 to 22 with autism spectrum disorder and similar developmental disabilities through a functional skills and community-based curriculum.

The school provides individualized instruction aligned with each student’s IEP, with staff-to-student ratios of 1:2 (or 1:1 as specified). Approaches include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH structured teaching methodologies, Pivotal Response Training, and positive behavior support. Students participate in community-based instruction and, for those 16 and older, the Workability vocational training program that includes job coaching, community employment sites, and transition preparation leading to a Certificate of Completion.

Placement occurs through referral from a student’s school district special education department. The school contracts exclusively with districts; families do not pay tuition directly. The single campus location offers day programming only, with no residential component.

Student fit

Who this school serves

Grades and ages

  • Private
  • Elementary (K-5)
  • Middle School (6-8)
  • High School (9-12)
  • Young Adult (18-22)

Learning needs supported

  • Autism
  • other developmental disabilities

Learning and support

Curriculum and therapeutic services

Services and supports

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • positive behavior support
  • Speech-language pathology

Programs

Programs at A Better Chance School / ABC School - Richmond

Other programs and supports

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • positive behavior support
  • Speech-language pathology

School facts

Practical details for families

Accreditation and licensing

  • Nonpublic Certified School (California Department of Education)

Tuition and funding

Tuition: Tuition paid by school districts; no charge to families

Visit us

Location and directions

Map

Physical address

4138 Lakeside Dr., Richmond, CA 94806

Get directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about A Better Chance School / ABC School - Richmond

Who does the school serve?

We serve students ages 6 to 22 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities who have been unable to succeed in public school settings.

What grades or ages are served?

We serve students ages 6 through 22, typically corresponding to elementary through high school ages with transition services up to age 22.

How does enrollment or placement work?

Families must contact their school district’s special education department to request a referral packet be sent to ABC School for review. After review, an in-person tour may be scheduled. Placement is determined by IEP team decisions and availability.

Is there tuition or cost to families?

No. ABC School contracts with school districts to provide services. Districts pay tuition; families are not charged directly for enrollment or services.

What therapies or supports are provided?

We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavior support, speech-language pathology services, structured teaching, community-based instruction, and vocational training through our Workability program.

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