Burger School

Burger School for Students with Autism is committed to maximizing the potential of each student to gain independence and self-fulfillment.

Through a collaborative effort we will work in partnership with students, each other, parents, community, and local school districts to assure that each student has the opportunity to become a happy, healthy, productive, and contributing member of society.

Burger School for Students with Autism is the largest public school program in the United States specializing in the education of students with autism.We provide specialized education and services to enable the student with autism to successfully function in a community-based environment.

Our program commenced in 1973, prior to the federally mandated special education requirements. The program was initially named the Developmental Learning Program (DLP). In 1980 the DLP moved to its present location in Burger School, and at that time the program changed its name to the Burger School for Students with Autism.

Burger School is a center program operated by Garden City Public Schools. Burger School is leader in programs addressing special needs individuals for Wayne County Regional Educational Agency. Burger is located in Wayne County, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Students attending Burger School come from 34 school districts throughout Wayne County, with the home districts providing transportation.

In order to qualify for special education services, each student must be thoroughly evaluated to the meet the qualification criteria of the law. This evaluation will determine a student's ability and their achievement levels. If there exists a severe discrepancy between ability and achievement, the student will receive an Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) to address their needs. The specialized services at Burger School are designed to implement the IEP with the intent of enabling the student to live and work in their community.

• Placement in Burger can only be completed through the student's district of residence.
• Approximately 330 students are enrolled at Burger School.
• The students range from 3 years old to 26 years old.
• The typical classroom is composed of five students, a teaching assistant, and a teacher.
• Each student receives an individualized program based on the goals and objectives established by a team at the student's annual Individual Educational Planning Meeting.
• School hours are 8:01 am to 3:11 pm., Monday through Friday.
• Student progress is reported quarterly.

Our staff specialists are available to assist parents and guardians with various agencies such as the Social Security Administration, respite care agencies, and guardian planning. Home visits and in-school observations are avenues available to parents to assist in the student's progress and increase cooperation between home and school.

The Autistic School Association Inc. (ASA) links together the student, the school, and the family, to ensure excellence in education. The mission of the ASA is to enhance the educational opportunities of students with autism at burger School. It also provides peer support, education, advocacy, sources of information, and community resources available.

The Autistic School Association is a community based, non-profit organization of parents, guardians, teachers, and family members of individuals who attend burger School.The ASA brings together family members from diverse economic, social, and geographic areas living in Wayne County, Michigan.

The ASA has monthly meetings and offers support and information to parents and guardians. The A.S.A. may be reached at (734) 762 - 8420.

For more information on autism, You can check the Autism Society of America at www.autism-society.org or call them 1-800-3 Autism