About Mariposa

The Mariposa School is a non-profit organization created specifically to offer children with autism and other developmental disabilities year round, one-on-one instruction using innovative teaching techniques. Based in central North Carolina, the school has attracted international attention for its progressive teaching curriculum. Families from across the region and country have relocated so their children can attend the school – a testament to the effectiveness of its teaching methodology and commitment to helping those students succeed. The educational program is tailored to fit his or her individual needs so that the student may realize his/her maximum potential.

Who We Are

The staff includes professionals from the disciplines of education, psychology, and other related fields are trained on site in the methods of verbal behavior. Our parents are committed to the mission of the school, and volunteer their time and expertise to its continued success. Our Board of Directors is composed of area business professionals and parents dedicated to the success of our school.

School News

View the latest news on The Mariposa School, including a press release on the current Head of School, Dr. Jacqueline Gottlieb.>>View School News

Mission Statement

The Mariposa School strives to be a regional leader in providing education to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Our goal is to build positive relationships among families, staff, and the greater community to help each child achieve his/her potential.

Vision Statement

To provide intensive instruction in a supportive environment designed to improve communication skills and therefore quality of life for children with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families.

Methodology

Mariposa provides intensive individualized instruction to children with autism, targeting a broad range of educational, behavioral, speech, social and motor dysfunctions, in a single integrated setting. The teaching methodology we use has been scientifically validated and is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Special attention is given to the factors that motivate each individual to learn. Through the practice of daily measurement of progress towards individual goals, the educational team, consisting of the program director, lead instructor, instructor(s) and parents are kept abreast of the student’s progress. Data analysis allows the team to make dynamic changes in each student’s program in order to achieve maximum progress. Intensive one-on-one interaction occurs between each student and his or her instructor to provide continuous opportunities for the children to learn new skills throughout the day. Students may also spend scheduled time in group activities when appropriate. As part of the individualized plan for each student, opportunities are also created to teach students how to interact with peers in order to acquire, practice and generalize appropriate social behaviors.

The goal for the students is to learn to communicate effectively, become increasingly independent, interact appropriately with others, and enjoy their learning experience.

Explanation of the Name “Mariposa”

Mariposa is the Spanish word for butterfly. In the development of the school, the name Mariposa was selected to represent the school as a place of hope and transformation. Children with autism are often described as “trapped” in their own world regarding the lack of appropriate social and functional communication skills. Similar to the life of a butterfly, the cocoon resembles the “trapped world.” As a beautiful butterfly emerges from the cocoon, the children at Mariposa will also experience a similar transformation revealing more of their innate beauty and developing their maximum potential.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The Mariposa School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.