A Place Where Neurodiverse Kids Are Understood, Empowered, and Free to Thrive

Who We Are

At Dare To Be Academy, we believe every child deserves more than just a seat in a classroom—they deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.

We’re a home-based microschool in Maricopa, Arizona, created specifically for autistic children and neighboring neurodiversities in grades K–5. We offer an alternative to traditional classrooms—one that’s built around your child’s needs, strengths, and passions.

What Makes Us Different

Sensory-friendly classrooms that calm, not overwhelm

✅ 2:1 student-to-guide ratio

Interest-based curriculum tailored to each student

Life Skills like cooking, gardening, and self-advocacy

Certified teacher and social worker on site

✅ ESA-approved, with lunch and snacks included

This isn’t just a school. It’s a home for learners who haven’t felt like they fit anywhere else.

About the Founder

Ashlee Dollar is a dedicated educator, autism advocate, and the visionary behind Dare To Be Academy. With a Master’s degree in music education and extensive experience teaching in K-12 settings, Ashlee has spent over a decade fostering creativity and academic growth in diverse learning environments. Her background includes teaching in Title I schools, developing innovative curriculum programs, and advocating for inclusive education.

As both an educator and a mother of two autistic children, Ashlee deeply understands the challenges faced by neurodiverse learners. Seeing a significant gap in alternative education options for autistic children in her community, she founded Dare To Be Academy to create a space where every student can feel safe, valued, and empowered. Her mission is to provide a learner-first experience that nurtures individuality, curiosity, and confidence, helping neurodiverse children thrive academically and socially.

I’m an Autism Mom.

I Built the School I Couldn’t Find.

Hi, I’m Ashlee Dollar—educator, mom of two autistic kiddos, and founder of Dare to Be Academy.

I spent years inside public schools—and outside them—trying to help neurodiverse students get what they needed.

But the system wasn’t built for them.

So I built something better.

This school was born out of love, advocacy, and a relentless belief that every child deserves an education that fits them—not the other way around.

If you’re exhausted trying to make traditional school “work,” you’re not alone.


I built this for families like ours.

Let’s talk.

Feel free to call or text me!

520-230-2272

-Ashlee

Meet Our Team

Ashlee

Dollar, B.M.Ed., M.M

(Ms. Dollar)

Founder

CEO

Rosalina

Bernal

(Ms. Rosie)

Learning Guide

Let’s Find Out if This Is the Right Fit—for You and Your Child

Tours are by appointment only. We keep it small and personal—just like our school.

Address

Dare To Be Academy

Maricopa, AZ 85138

Office Hours

Mon – Thurs 9:00am – 3:00pm

Phone Number

+1 520-230-2272

Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA

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