Welcome to Branches
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A Christ-Centered Special Education Program at Solas Academy
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Hi, I’m Anna — a follower of Christ, a wife, a mom to three soon to be four beautiful children and an Exceptional Student Specialist. I’ve served in the field of Special Education for ten years, and for the first five of those, I worked in the public school system. While I gained valuable experience, my husband and I felt called to something more — a path that would allow us to keep Christ at the center of our childrens’ education and create a truly personalized learning experience for our family.
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That calling led us to homeschool, and ultimately to Solas Academy — a Biblically grounded co-op where families grow together in both faith and knowledge. Out of that vision, and in partnership with Kat Wada and Lori Castillo, the Branches & Trellis program was born.
What is Branches?
Branches is a specialized program within Solas Academy that offers support for families homeschooling children with special needs. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, gospel-centered learning environment where every child — regardless of ability — can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
Branches is built on a Biblical worldview and offers a rich, thematic curriculum that is modified and adapted for a variety of learning needs. Designed to target literacy, mathematics, executive functioning, social emotional development and more.
What We Offer
Families who join Branches can expect:
Modified & Accommodated Curriculum
Whole & Small
Group Instruction
Faith-Based Learning
Parent Support
& Consultation
Thematic, accessible, and engaging lessons that support diverse learning styles.
Opportunities for students to build relationships and learn with their peers.
A Christ-centered environment with a gospel curriculum tailored to each student’s level of understanding.
Guidance, encouragement, and resources for navigating special education at home.
Introducing the Trellis Class
Support for High-Functioning Autistic Students
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We are excited to offer Trellis, a resource class within the Branches program, designed specifically for high-functioning autistic students who are in the mainstream classes here at Solas Academy. Trellis provides targeted support in the areas of:
Executive Functioning
Helping students grow in organization, time management, and independent work habits.
Social-Emotional Development
Direct instruction and guided practice in communication, emotional regulation, and peer interaction.
Academic Support
Grade-level aligned ELA, Math, Writing, and Social-Emotional content based on Arizona state standards — modified as needed to meet individual learning profiles.
Faith Integration
Biblical truth and gospel-centered content are woven throughout the day in a way that is accessible and meaningful to neurodiverse learners.
Our Heart
At Solas Academy, we believe every child is uniquely created by God and deserves access to an education that honors their strengths, supports their needs, and points them to Jesus. We’re more than just a program — we’re a community of believers walking alongside one another in faith and learning.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent seeking support, a homeschooler new to special education, or someone who shares our vision, we’d love to connect with you.
Join the Co-op
Support Our Mission