This ranges depending upon the program and the schedule for attendance. All of this information is located on the Programs and Tuition page of our website.

We have found some insurance companies that cover the cost of ABA. However, the plans differ greatly. The coverage usually comes through a mental/ behavioral health coverage or special stipend to families of children with disabilities. Mariposa is in network with a variety of providers including BCBS-NC, AETNA, Medicaid, and OPTUM/United Behavioral Healthcare. Please call the benefits line on the back of your insurance card and ask about The Mariposa School. Typically services are listed as “Enhanced Autism Services.”  Flexible Spending Accounts can also be used to help cover the costs by utilizing the Dependent Care portion. Many employers such as IBM will reimburse families for tuition. Do not hesitate to speak to your employers benefits coordinator.

No. The teaching style is based on the methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and can be effective with any child regardless of identified disability. Although most of the students in the school do have autism, others are not formally diagnosed, and some have other developmental disabilities.

Mariposa students vary in ability from a child with absolutely no form of communication to an intermediate or higher level learner. The length of time that a child stays at Mariposa depends upon his/her skills at entry, number of days in attendance, goals for child when he/she leaves, etc.

Services may begin at the age of diagnosis or as early as a unique learning difficulty is identified, and learners may age out at 21 years old. The Mariposa Admissions Committee will determine appropriateness of placement based on a variety of assessments as well as behavioral concerns and available peer groups. Per North Carolina state guidelines, a child must be at least 5 years old to attend full day.

Success can be defined in many ways for learners with such varying abilities. Many learners demonstrate success by achieving some form of functional communication, which could include a Picture Exchange System, voice output device or vocal speech; some learners demonstrate success by achieving daily living skills to increase their independence in a residential setting; some learners develop the skills to transition to a less restrictive academic environment.  We are committed to continuous improvement and daily data collection allows the clinical team to identify areas of success for each learner as they progress through their treatment plan.

The leadership team at Mariposa collectively hold a variety of degrees earned from years of formal education and decades of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.  A doctorate level behavior analyst (BCBA-D) works directly with our clinical psychologist who also holds credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to oversee all of the programming in the school.  Program coordinators holding BCBA or BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) credentials provide individual programming for each learner and training to the instructors providing direct service. 

In addition to the experience they bring with them from education and previous employment, all instructors are trained by our management staff in the methods of Verbal Behavior and Applied Behavior Analysis and must pass a rigorous training competency program to obtain the Registered Behavior Technician credential from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

The clinical team meets monthly with the BCBA-D to review each learner's progress and make recommendations for necessary change.

No. Our school operates year-round with brief breaks in the summer, winter, and for federal holidays.

We are eligible to accept funding from the state for recipients of grants and scholarships from the North Carolina Education Assistance Authority.  These programs include the Education Savings Account, the Disabilities Grant, and the Opportunity Scholarship. While we do not offer private scholarships at this time we continue to look for revenue options.  See the Financial Assistance page of our website for more details on the financial aid opportunities available.

We offer multiple programs to serve a wide range of needs. You can check out all of the options under PROGRAMS on the menu bar at the top of the page.  

Full Time students (ages 5 and up) attend for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week.  

Half Day: This program is offered either mornings or afternoons for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. All ages are eligible.  

Part Time: This program is intended to supplement other programs that a child may be enrolled in. Available in 3 hour sessions for 6 hours (Tues/Thurs) or 9 hours (Mon/Wed/Fri) per week, mornings or afternoons. All ages are eligible. 

Consultation Services: Consultation Services are arranged on an as needed basis and are based upon the purpose of the request. Throughout the year, we also offer a variety of workshops that provide educational opportunities for parents and other professionals. See our Events Blog for upcoming events. Childcare is often provided. Contact the school for details.

First and foremost, communication is key. We need to know as much as we can about your child, including information about any medical conditions he or she may have, food sensitivities, and what motivates your child. We ask that you continue to consistently communicate relevant changes with your clinical team throughout your child's enrollment. Second, we ask that you follow through at home with any behavioral procedures implemented at the school. Family training is a key component to every treatment plan and your program coordinator will support you in implementing goals at home effectively and consistently. Third, we ask that you engage in as many family workshops provided by the school as possible.  Workshops are selected to provide resources that directly benefit our families, as well as provide opportunities for families to network with one another. We also host a variety of events to encourage community building and fellowship that we encourage you to attend. Family members can also join the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) which coordinates events for students and staff, fundraising, parent volunteering and much more.

Each learner has one instructor per session. Full time learners are assigned one regular instructor for the morning and one instructor for the afternoon. A learner that is enrolled half- or part-time will likely have the same instructor for each session. In unique circumstances a learner may have more than one instructor per session (ie. one instructor on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and a different instructor on Tuesday and Thursday.)  These scenarios are based on the needs of the learner and their family and will be agreed upon prior to enrollment.  The program coordinator supervises all of the instructors working with a learner and serves as the point of contact for the team.