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The Auburn School

Designed to help bright students discover their untapped potential, our private day school provides small classroom settings that are nurturing, respectful, safe, and upbeat. The Auburn School accepts both private-pay families and students referred by their local school districts. Through individualized support, academic rigor, and research-based social learning, our students shine at school, at home, and in their communities.

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School Info

Address

9115 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Grades
K-8

Phone
1-301-588-8048

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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By recognizing the unique value and talents of each student, celebrating their daily successes, and building strong relationships with students and their families, The Auburn School goes beyond what traditional classrooms can provide. Our challenging curriculum is grounded in evidence-based, data-driven instruction, and helps bright students achieve academic success while also developing social and communication skills.

With the goal of transitioning to less-restrictive learning environments, we serve students in grades K-8 with academic and behavioral support, individualized student support, and successful transitions.

The Auburn School is proud to support both private-pay families and students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who are referred to our nurturing environment by their local school districts. Both groups of students receive personalized support—students referred by school districts with their IEP, and private-pay students with our Student Compass.

Our Mission

We offer a dynamic educational program for intellectually curious students with communication, socialization, pragmatic language, and organizational challenges. Our program is appropriate for students who can learn successfully and appropriately in a small classroom setting. Auburn’s program simultaneously supports the development of academic skills, social competency, and communication in an engaging educational environment. 

To achieve this mission, The Auburn School: 
  • Integrates social skills and pragmatic language development throughout the curriculum and school day using research-based programs and educational best practices.
  • Provides a challenging academic experience featuring multi-sensory instruction, research-based curriculum, and appropriate student accommodations.
  • Offers a safe, nurturing, and highly personalized learning environment for children through small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a supportive school setting.
  • Identifies and develops individual student strengths, talents, and interests.

Discover What Sets The Auburn School Apart

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Our Learning Pathways

  • Spark: Academic & Behavior Support

    Spark: Academic & Behavior Support

    Students We Serve

    • Students with strong academic potential and multiple challenges
    • Learners impacted by trauma or adversity
    • Students navigating school avoidance or anxiety
    • Those needing support with self-regulation, social learning, executive functioning, peer relationships, and trust building
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

  • Successful Transitions

    Successful Transitions

    Whether students are transitioning to a less restrictive environment, progressing toward graduation, or earning a certificate of completion, we help ensure they receive the individualized guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

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  • Andy comes to Auburn with over 30 years of experience as a talented special education leader in both private and public school systems. He started teaching as a Peace Corp volunteer in Guatemala, and continued his career as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator within the Washington, D.C. metro area. During his tenure in education he also served as a content expert in special education for the U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top State Grant competition.

    Andy is licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education with endorsements as a superintendent, principal, pupil personnel worker, special education teacher, and political science teacher. Andy received his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and holds two master’s degrees, one in student counseling from American University, and a second in school administration and supervision from McDaniel College. Andy completed post-graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University.

  • Julie Mann believes every student is capable of success when given the opportunity to learn, grow, and be challenged.

    She fosters a classroom culture where all voices are valued and students are encouraged to push beyond perceived limits.

    Julie rejects assumptions about ability, instead providing meaningful opportunities for students to discover their potential through persistence and creative learning.

    Her commitment to high expectations, encouragement, and individualized support helps students build confidence and achieve lasting growth.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • Communication with partner districts is excellent.

    The school exemplifies strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. The administration fosters a supportive and dynamic environment, ensuring that students and staff are well-supported. Their communication with partner districts is excellent, promoting effective collaboration and ensuring that every student’s needs are met. The school’s IEP writing process is thorough, with clear and actionable feedback that directly contributes to student growth. The school consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals.

    Andrew M. | Vice Principal

View all School Testimonials

Private-Pay Families

The Auburn School welcomes private-pay families with students in grades K–8 who are seeking a nurturing environment with strong academics, individualized support, and embedded social and communication instruction. Through our Student Compass, we develop a personalized learning map for each student that aligns strengths, goals, and needed supports. Families may apply throughout the year, and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis as space allows.

Private-pay families can expect:

  • A clear, welcoming admissions process with opportunities to tour, attend Open Houses, and connect with our team.
  • A personalized learning plan guided by the Student Compass.
  • Strong home–school communication from our Student. Support Teams, who share progress updates and collaborate with outside service providers when needed.
  • A supportive school community with parent workshops, family events, and opportunities to build peer relationships outside the classroom.
  • Financial aid options for qualifying families.
  • Monthly tuition payment plans through FACTS.
  • In many cases, tuition and related expenses may qualify as tax-deductible medical expenses.*

*Families should consult their individual tax advisor.

Apply Online

District Referrals

The Auburn School works closely with local school districts and parents to welcome students in grades K-8 who are referred to our program because of educational challenges in traditional classroom settings. To meet the needs of each student who is referred to our Type 1, non-public special education school, we develop and implement a highly individualized learning map that meets their instructional and behavioral needs in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and all available assessment data. 
 
Our goals are to provide each student with: 

  • Academic and social skills to be successful at school, at home and in their community. 
  • Preparation for returning to a less-restrictive setting as quickly as possible. 
  • Preparation for Maryland State Testing. 
  • Data-driven instruction and multi-modal teaching approaches. 
  • Support for social and executive functioning development. 
Admissions Criteria Written Description SY25-26

Parent Communication

Strong home–school communication is central to each student’s success at The Auburn School. Our Student Support Team regularly shares updates on student progress and coordinates with families and outside service providers as needed to align goals and support a comprehensive approach.
 
We also foster meaningful connections across our school community. Through our parent association, family events, workshops, and parent groups, families stay engaged and informed. These connections often spark budding friendships and shared interests that help nurture peer relationships beyond the classroom. 

Camp Aristotle Summer Program 

Summer should be stress-free and full of fun!

Camp Aristotle welcomes rising Kindergarten through 9th grade students, with half-day and full-day options available. Our exciting activities are carefully designed to foster friendships, self-awareness, exploration, and social success. 

Many students who attend Camp Aristotle experience challenges associated with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, language challenges, and ADHD. Our teachers and staff are trained to understand our campers’ needs for tools, including sensory breaks. Our goal is to provide all campers with an enjoyable, fulfilling, and bully-free experience. 

Designed to help young teens (ages 12-15) develop social skills, Camp Aristotle PEERs is a skills-based interactive summer program. PEERs (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a sequential social skills intervention program benefiting students with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other social-communicative challenges. 

See more details, including the schedule, fees, and admissions information. 

Apply Now

Events & Stories

  • School Events and Stories

    Jack’s Journey at The Auburn School
    Growing Up at The Auburn School, Jack’s Early Challenges When Kyle first brought his son, Jack, to Camp Aristotle, The…
    December 4, 2025
  • School Events and Stories

    Auburn School Success, Helping Charlie Soar
    Auburn School Success: Finding the Right Environment When Charlie started first grade in a public school French immersion classroom of…
    November 17, 2025
  • School Events and Stories

    Finding Hope at The Auburn School
    Auburn School Success Story, A Family’s Search for Support For Brent and his wife, Hope, the search for the right…
    November 17, 2025

View all School Resources

FAQ’s

  • If you work at a school district and want to learn more about our school and the referral process, the next step is to contact us directly. We’ll provide detailed information about our programs, answer your questions, and set-up a time for you to come tour our program.

  • We individualize the learning experience by creating a tailored plan for each student based on their unique strengths, needs, and goals. This includes personalized instruction, behavioral support, and regular progress monitoring to ensure growth academically, socially, and emotionally. By collaborating closely with families and school districts, we provide a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

  • You can schedule a tour by calling our office or filling out the contact form on our website. Our team will work with you to find a convenient time for your visit.

  • We take a holistic approach to education, integrating academic instruction with behavioral support. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and our experienced staff uses evidence-based strategies and high-leverage practices to help students build confidence, self-regulation skills, and positive relationships.

Contact The Auburn School