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Advanced Sacred Hope Academy to open larger campus for autistic children in Fort Walton Beach

The private school for autistic children has grown from seven students in 2018 to 75 registered for the upcoming academic year.

Advanced Sacred Hope Academy will open its doors this fall at a new, larger campus as the private school for autistic children continues to experience significant growth in Okaloosa County.

  • The school, known as ASHA, will operate from its new facility at 106 Racetrack Rd NE in Fort Walton Beach (former Bingo hall). The expansion marks substantial growth from the school’s modest beginning with just seven students in 2018 to 75 students registered for the 2025-2026 school year.

Founded in 2018, Advanced Sacred Hope Academy is a private nonprofit school dedicated to serving autistic and neurodiverse students. The school provides individualized education programs, therapeutic support and structured socialization in a supportive, nurturing environment aimed at guiding students toward academic achievement and life readiness.

“As we move into this next chapter, we are building more than a school. We are creating a comprehensive environment where our students can grow, learn, and develop skills that prepare them for meaningful engagement in their families, communities, and future workplaces,” said Robert Hruska, director of operations at ASHA. “But we can’t do it alone. Community support has been the backbone of our journey from the very beginning.”

The new state-of-the-art facility is designed specifically for neurodiverse children and features adaptive classrooms and dedicated therapy spaces. Plans also include an inclusive, sensory-friendly playground.

  • The growth comes as demand increases for specialized education tailored to the unique learning profiles of neurodiverse children. ASHA has built a reputation for preparing students academically, socially and emotionally.

The school is seeking community partners through sponsorship opportunities to help equip the new campus. ASHA is looking for classroom sponsors and playground sponsors from local businesses, civic groups and individuals.

Sponsorship benefits include naming rights, permanent recognition on campus and visibility in ASHA’s community outreach and events.

Those interested in sponsoring a classroom, contributing to the sensory-friendly playground or learning more about ASHA’s mission can contact Robert Hruska at roberthruska.abhatherapy@gmail.com or visit https://advancedsacredhopeacademy.org/.

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