De La Cruz Farms
Grades and ages
Ages 4-22
Student-teacher ratio
2:1
Tuition
$4,500 - $7,500/year (Eligible for NC ESA+ disability grants & community donor scholarships)
About De La Cruz Farms
De La Cruz Farms in Deep Gap, North Carolina, is a specialized non-profit agricultural and equine-assisted therapeutic educational ministry established in 2012 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Watauga County. Serving children, youth, and young adults (ages 4 to 22), De La Cruz Farms provides adaptive horsemanship, animal-assisted therapy, sensory-motor regulation, and hands-on agricultural life skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and emotional trauma. Maintaining an intensive 2:1 student-to-staff ratio, certified equine therapists and adaptive educators utilize the farm environment to build gross motor balance, non-verbal communication, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
Student fit
Who this school serves
Grades and ages
- Elementary
- Middle
- High School
- Young Adult Transition
- Ages 4-22
Learning needs supported
- Autism (ASD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Emotional Difficulties
Specialties
- Equine-Assisted Therapy & Horsemanship
- Autism Spectrum & Neurodevelopmental Needs
- Sensory-Motor Integration on a Mountain Farm
- Down Syndrome & Physical Disabilities
- Trauma Healing & Emotional Regulation
Learning and support
Curriculum and therapeutic services
Services and supports
- Equine-Assisted Therapy & Horsemanship
- Sensory-Motor Animal Integration
- Adaptive Life Skills Coaching
- Trauma-Informed Behavioral Support
- Family Respite & Fellowship
Programs
Programs at De La Cruz Farms
Other programs and supports
- Equine-Assisted Therapy & Horsemanship
- Sensory-Motor Animal Integration
- Adaptive Life Skills Coaching
- Trauma-Informed Behavioral Support
- Family Respite & Fellowship
School facts
Practical details for families
Accreditation and licensing
- North Carolina Non-Profit Ministry & Certified Equine Therapeutic Facility
Tuition and funding
Tuition: $4,500 - $7,500/year (Eligible for NC ESA+ disability grants & community donor scholarships)
- NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+)
- Community Ministry Scholarships
- Private Pay / Donor-Subsidized Fees
Visit us
Location and directions
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about De La Cruz Farms
What therapies are offered at De La Cruz Farms?
The farm provides equine-assisted therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, small animal sensory interaction, and agricultural life skills coaching.
Can families use North Carolina ESA+ disability funds at De La Cruz Farms?
Yes. Families of children with qualifying developmental disabilities can use NC ESA+ grant funds for approved educational and therapeutic services.
Who benefits from equine-assisted learning?
Children and youth with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, anxiety, and trauma benefit immensely from horse movement (which simulates human walking rhythms) and non-judgmental animal connection.
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