Our residential and community-based educational programs offer structured learning environments for students with low student-to-teacher ratios (4:1) and specialized programming with an emphasis on classroom ecology, individualized and direct academic instruction, differentiation, sensory integration, comprehensive evaluation and parent collaboration. Programming at The Hughes Educational Center is designed to improve socialization, reduce maladaptive behaviors and successfully transition our students to a less restrictive educational setting.

Each student at The Hughes Center receives a functional behavioral assessment, a sensory assessment, a behavioral intervention plan, and (if applicable) physical, occupational, speech and language therapies as outlined by his or her Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Daily progress and response to prescribed interventions are documented and evaluated across multiple environments to determine the effectiveness of the interventions.
The community-based day school is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education to serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Emotional (ED), Intellectual (ID) and/or Significant Learning Disabilities (SLD), Other Health Impairments (OHI), and Speech and Language Impairments (SLI).

Additional program features include:

• Individualized special and regular education services for males and females; specific grades and ages ranges are specific to the program
• Year-round school calendar
• Fully Accredited Online Educational Curriculum (Edgenuity)
• Career and technical education services
• Picture exchange communication systems (PECS)
• Principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
• Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-disordered Children (TEACCH®) Model. For more information regarding the TEACCH® Model, please visit the following websites:
  • Autism Speaks
  • TEACCH.com

The Hughes Educational Center is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Special Education Facilities (VAISEF) and by COGNIA (national accreditation).

Referrals may be submitted by the parent (or guardian), Local Education Agency (LEA) and/or CSA Team.

It is highly recommended that parents collaborate with their local IEP or CSA Teams prior to making the referral to ensure that placement at the Hughes Educational Center is the least restrictive environment and the most appropriate placement to address the potential student’s needs.

Admissions Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of one or more special education disabilities (outlined above).
• Males / Females, ages at time of admission
• Individual is currently enrolled in an academic program of special education
• Individual is unable to thrive in public school or another private school environment
• Individual is medically stable
• Completed Enrollment Application
• Signed Placement / Financial Agreement
• Immunization Record
• Current IEP specifying private day (or addendum request) with school transcripts and report cards if SPED

The Hughes Center’s professional staff are here to help. Call 434-836-8500. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.