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Visit And Apply

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Planning a visit and application?

A visit to Exceptional Minds is the first step in deciding to attend!
So how does it all work?

Sign Up For a Tour

See our classrooms and learn more about what our programs provides with an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice on which of our programs might best match your educational goals.

Virtually or On Campus

Tours are held virtually or on our campus. All times listed are Pacific Standart Time. Tour dates and times may vary and are updated regularly on the registration form. Please make sure to check the form for any new updates.

Full-time or Part Time

Before signing up for a tour, please read our Full-Time and Part-Time Admissions sections below. Once you have met all the requirements listed and are ready to sign up, feel free to click “Tour” button below to get started.

Contact Us with Questions

If you have scheduled a tour and need to cancel or reschedule, or simply have any questions, please email us at info@exceptional-minds.org. You must complete the tour before submitting the online application.

Student On the Tour

Please note that the student must be present at the tour!

Submit Application

Once you have completed a tour, you will then receive an email with a link to create an online account and submit your application. We will review and respond to you within one week. Please contact us if you did not receive it.

BEGIN YOUR TOUR

New Students

Before signing up for a tour or starting your application review the Full-Time or Part-Time Admissions sections below.

1. Take A Tour

Sign up for a virtual or on campus tour first.
TOUR SIGN-UP

2. Start Your Application

Once you have toured please fill out an application.
APPLY NOW

Returning Students

We Want To Hear From You

If you have already taken classes or workshops with us and are interested in applying for our full-time program.
CONTACT US

Full-Time Admission

  • Formal Diagnosis of Autism: Application requires submission of a letter of diagnosis and/or a recent IEP (Individualized Education Plan) stating diagnosis.
  • Minimum educational level: Evidence of high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Independence: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable independence with transportation, hygiene, scheduling and punctuality, work completion, safety, money etc.
  • Computer Fluency Skills: Applicants should demonstrate basic working knowledge of saving and naming files, Internet navigation and e-mails, and typing skills, etc.
  • Executive Function: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable ability with independent planning, decision-making, time management, organization, etc.
  • Ability to Follow Multi-step Directions: The ability to follow directions presented both orally and in writing.
  • Flexibility: The ability to receive and incorporate feedback, change direction with little notice, use multiple modes of design to create a project, ability to try novel programs and methods, and the ability to work on non-preferred tasks.
  • Artistic Ability: A portfolio is required for the Full- Time admissions assessment and can include electronic (website or flash-drive) or paperwork samples. Portfolio should show the ability to create figurative and abstract drawing, design and composition skills, creative ideas, etc.
  • Basic Work-Related Social Skills: Listening, promptness, appropriate hygiene and dress, greetings and salutations, appropriate volume and tone, ability to work and learn in a group, and showing interest in coworkers, etc.
  • Motivation: Taking pride in quality work, meeting deadlines, performing at or above the level of peers, able to work for periods without prompting or praise, etc.

In order to select the candidates for our program, Exceptional Minds has established an Admissions Assessment process. Prospective applicants are required to take a tour in order to determine their level of interest in our program before submitting an application. After an application is submitted, Exceptional Minds conducts a review of student records, surveys parents and professionals who have worked directly with the individual, and schedules a one-hour admissions assessment of the potential candidate.

  • Full-Time applications can be submitted throughout the year.
  • Admissions assessments are generally scheduled between January and April for admittance to the program which begins each September.
  • The one-hour assessment includes: a formal interview, portfolio review, computer fluency demonstration, and Q & A.
  • Assessment fee is a one-time $350; reapplying students will not pay for the assessment again.

Full-Time Admission

Once a prospective student’s application is reviewed and accepted, the student will be able to enroll for Workshops and lessons in the Part-Time Programs.

  • Exceptional Minds offers education for students who:
    • Are 14yrs and older (classes divided by age and skill)
    • Learn effectively in a workshop/classroom setting
    • Follow multi-step directions and work independently for a minimum of 15 minutes at a time
    • Verbally ask appropriate questions (i.e. for help, clarification)
    • Have an interest in computers, VFX, game design, and /or animation
    • Have fluency in basic computer skills

Additionally:

  • Formal Diagnosis of Autism: Application requires submission of a letter of diagnosis and/or a recent IEP (Individualized Education Plan) stating diagnosis.
  • Independence: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable independence with transportation, hygiene, scheduling and punctuality, work completion, safety, money etc.
  • Computer Fluency Skills: Applicants should demonstrate basic working knowledge of saving and naming files, Internet navigation and e-mails, and typing skills, etc.
  • Executive Function: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable ability with independent planning, decision-making, time management, organization, etc.
  • Ability to Follow Multi-step Directions: The ability to follow directions presented both orally and in writing.
  • Flexibility: The ability to receive and incorporate feedback, change direction with little notice, use multiple modes of design to create a project, ability to try novel programs and methods, and the ability to work on non-preferred tasks.
  • Basic Work-Related Social Skills: Listening, promptness, appropriate hygiene and dress, greetings and salutations, appropriate volume and tone, ability to work and learn in a group, and showing interest in coworkers, etc.
  • Motivation: Taking pride in quality work, meeting deadlines, performing at or above the level of peers, able to work for periods without prompting or praise, etc.

Exceptional Minds cannot accommodate students who:

  • Require an aide
  • Frequently engage in disruptive behavior
  • Are oppositional or defiant
  • Are not vocally verbal and/or require some kind of facilitated communication
  • Are not familiar with or fluent with computer skills
  • Are not interested in computers, VFX, game design and/or animation

Learn more about our Tuition Assistance program

Exceptional Minds provides needs-based tuition assistance on a case by case basis.

LEARN MORE

We also accept Self Determination Program funding. For more information on the California Department of Developmental Services Regional Center Self Determination Program, please click here.