The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students Celebrates Successful 2025–2026 Colorado School Year with Strong Student Outcomes and Family Trust

WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (“The ACES”), a special education school serving students with diverse academic and behavioral needs, today announced a successful 2025-2026 year for their Westminster, Colorado school, marked by measurable progress of its student population, including successful transitions back to referring school districts, and highly positive feedback from student’s families.

The ACES supported almost 100 students throughout the academic school year by providing a safe, structured, supportive educational environment where they could build the behavioral, emotional, and academic skills necessary for long-term success. An all-time high number of students successfully transitioned to less restrictive environments and the school also celebrated grade-level promotions and senior graduations at the end of the school year demonstrating academic progress.

According to Garen Austin, The ACES Chief Operating Officer, “The impact of our efforts was reflected in the results of our recently completed parent and caregiver survey where 83% said they would recommend The ACES and 89% indicated The ACES staff have established a positive relationship with their student.”

One parent said, “We are so very grateful for everything you all have done for our two children the past couple years... It's very clear the guidance they’ve received at The ACES has been invaluable and that they have loved every minute being there.”

“Comments like these and the overwhelmingly positive feedback give us confidence that we are fulfilling our mission and changing lives,” said Brian Esterly, Chief Executive Officer of The ACES. “This success is not only due to our dedicated team, but also the tremendous cooperation we have with our parents and referring districts. When we develop and share common goals, students can accomplish amazing growth.”

Other survey comments focused on students’ improvement in self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and peer relationships.

“We are proud of what our Colorado students accomplished this year and are grateful for the trust their families placed in us,” added Brad Trout, M.Ed., Principal, The ACES in Westminster, Colorado. “We remain committed to making a difference in the lives of students with significant and specialized behavioral, emotional, and educational needs, and look forward to continuing our work next year.”

About The ACES
The ACES is a specialized education provider dedicated to supporting students with unique academic and behavioral needs through individualized learning programs. With a focus on helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals, The ACES offers a structured, supportive environment designed to foster growth, resilience, and long-term success.

The school’s multidisciplinary teams address students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral development, supported by a low student-to-staff ratio that enables personalized attention. Serving families across more than 100 school districts and charter schools, The ACES is committed to helping students build the skills needed to thrive and transition successfully to less restrictive environments.

At The ACES, student achievement remains the top priority, with every aspect of the program designed to help each learner succeed with confidence and opportunity.