Virginia: Private autism schools in 18 locations across state

Aug 22. 2025, WDBJ, Lynchburg, VA: Rivermont Schools support students with autism and disabilities  https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/08/22/rivermont-schools-support-students-with-autism-disabilities/?outputType=amp 

Class is back in session, and Rivermont Schools in Lynchburg is dedicated to helping students with autism, disabilities, and impairments succeed in the classroom.

Providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive educational environment for children and young adults aged 5-22 with autism, emotional support needs, and other disabilities is Rivermont Schools’ top priority.

“We try to support our students to return to public school eventually. We are typically used as a support system for students who need additional help that the public schools are unable to provide,” said Rivermont Lynchburg-Leesville Principal Audra Daniel.

Rivermont Schools have 18 locations across Virginia. In Lynchburg, the school has partnered with local school districts and families for nearly 40 years, equipping students with the tools they need to meet their academic and behavioral goals.

“We use ABA techniques, which are applied behavior analysis, and we use different interventions to support them in our classroom environments. Hopefully, they start to learn the coping skills needed to eventually transition back into that public school and take those tools with them,” said Daniel.

This week, Rivermont Schools opened a new facility on Leesville Road, marking what promises to be another successful school year with a team of dedicated educators, therapists, and support staff.

“We just outgrew that space; we were getting more students than we had the space for. We now have a gym, a sensory room, and a life skills room. All these new things that we didn’t have at our previous building to help our students,” said Daniel.

A new school year can be challenging for students with disabilities, but Daniel shares advice to parents.

“Having structure and routine is always going to help. Being as prepared as you can the night before the next school day starts is always helpful. To have your clothes laid out or whatever it might be. I know here in our building, having that consistent structure and routine throughout the school day helps support our kids. They understand what’s coming next and what the expectation is,” said Daniel.

Daniel is excited to plan community events at the new building to showcase the work Rivermont Schools does.