BreakOut School is a nonprofit private school designed to make education exciting and meaningful for neurodiverse students, particularly children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Serving students in grades 4–8, with exceptions for gifted students, the school offers an educational approach centered on hands-on experiences, outdoor learning, and practical skills. Its mission is to help students move beyond frustrating school experiences and discover their strengths through engaging, real-world learning opportunities.
Rather than relying solely on traditional classroom instruction, BreakOut School emphasizes learning through action. Students explore core academic skills, including reading, writing, and arithmetic, while connecting ideas to practical experiences. Outdoor activities, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to put knowledge into practice are central parts of the school’s approach.
A distinctive feature of BreakOut School is its focus on entrepreneurship. Students have opportunities to develop and operate their own small businesses, learning about responsibility, creativity, problem-solving, and financial independence. According to the school, students can use their business earnings toward their tuition, helping them connect their learning with real-world outcomes.
Beyond academics and business skills, BreakOut School emphasizes personal growth and social development. Its approach aims to help students build self-esteem, form lasting friendships, strengthen social-emotional skills, and develop physical courage and confidence. The school describes ADHD and autism as potential strengths rather than simply limitations, seeking to create an environment where students feel accepted, appreciated, and capable of achievement.
BreakOut School was founded by Dr. Dallin Richardson, Pharm.D., who has more than twenty years of experience consulting with families affected by ADHD and mentoring boys, and Jennifer Richardson, who has a background in health education and elementary teaching. Joan Landes, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, serves as a consultant.
Families interested in the school can contact BreakOut School to learn about admissions, tuition, camps, and whether its educational model may be a good fit for their child.
