PDSES
PDSES may apply to eligible Texas students with qualifying disabilities through the applicable ClassWallet process. Confirm current eligibility and allowable purchases in the official program portal.
Access ClassWallet →
88 Blue Academy
Your child is capable of more. We build the skills to prove it.
Personalized learning and skill-building programs for learners of all ages, with a specialization in ages 14–22. We support neurodivergent learners, learners with disabilities, and students with diverse learning needs through group and 1:1 programs that build academic, social, emotional, career, and everyday life skills.
88 Blue Academy
Learning for Today. Skills for Life.
Education Funding & Support
Funding & Support Options Available
Explore education funding and additional support pathways. These options serve different purposes; not every support pathway pays for Academy classes. Follow the instructions for the specific option that applies to your family.
Explore the options for your family
For Families
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
Every learner can grow with the right kind of support.
- Struggling to stay focused, organized, or manage emotions
- Having difficulty making friends or navigating social situations
- Finding it hard to complete schoolwork
- Building communication skills or confidence
- Unsure about life after high school
88 Blue Academy
Learning for Today. Skills for Life.
Learning for Today. Skills for Life.
Why 88 Blue
Support Designed Around the Learner
Programs are designed to meet learners where they are, build practical skills, and create a supportive environment where learners can participate, grow, and build confidence.
Personalized Support
Support is shaped around learner strengths, goals, pace, and individual needs.
Small, Supportive Groups
Smaller learning environments allow learners to participate and receive meaningful attention.
Practical Skills
Programs connect learning to everyday skills, confidence, communication, and independence.
Inclusive Environment
Learners are supported in an environment designed to welcome diverse learning needs and abilities.
Tuition & Funding
Choose the Payment or Funding Path That Works for You
88 Blue Academy offers direct-pay options as well as education funding pathways for eligible families. Choose the option that best fits your family and we'll guide you through the next step.
Education Funding
Use Your Education Funding
Eligible families may use available education funding for qualifying 88 Blue group and 1:1 programs.
- TEFA / ESA funding
- PDSES funding
- Group and 1:1 programs may be eligible
- We'll provide the appropriate next steps
Private Pay
Pay Directly for Your Program
Prefer to pay directly? Choose your program and complete the private-pay registration form.
- Direct payment
- Group and 1:1 programs available
- Select the program that fits your learner
- Complete registration and payment
Not sure which option applies to your family?
Start with the pathway that matches how you plan to pay.
If you need help, 88 Blue Academy can provide guidance
on the next step.
Academy Programs
Find the Right Program for Your Learner
Explore the programs currently enrolling and choose the learning format that best fits your learner.
Currently Enrolling Programs
Funding Options Available
Currently Active
Art for Resilience & Regulation
Small Group
A creative, supportive art experience that helps learners build confidence, emotional awareness, focus, and everyday self-regulation skills through guided art and mindfulness activities.
4 Weeks
8 Live Classes
2x Weekly
Up to 6 Learners
No Experience Required
$650
Per month
ENROLL NOW
Currently Active
Mindful Music: Rhythm, Expression & Everyday Calm
Small Group
A supportive, interactive music experience using rhythm, movement, mindful listening, and creative expression to help learners build focus, communication, confidence, self-expression, and everyday calm.
4 Weeks
8 Live Classes
2x Weekly
Up to 6 Learners
No Instrument Required
$650
Per month
ENROLL NOW
Currently Enrolling
Creative Calm Art 1:1
Individual 1:1
Personalized one-to-one art sessions for learners who thrive with individualized attention. Creative activities are adapted to each learner's interests, abilities, pace, and learning style.
60 Minutes
Live 1:1
Personalized
Virtual
No Experience Required
$110
Per 60-minute live 1:1 session
REGISTER FOR 1:1
Currently Enrolling
Mindful Music 1:1: Personalized Rhythm, Expression & Calm
Individual 1:1
A personalized music experience built around each learner's interests, abilities, and communication style through rhythm, movement, listening, sound-making, and musical expression.
60 Minutes
Live 1:1
Personalized
Virtual
No Instrument Required
$110
Per 60-minute live 1:1 session
REGISTER FOR 1:1
Art programs are educational enrichment programs and are not art therapy, counseling, diagnosis, or mental-health treatment.
Additional Programs
Additional Learning Programs
Additional programs can be explored through the complete academy catalog.
Connection & Communication
Social connection, communication, and emotional intelligence skills.
Elev8 Youth: Career Readiness
Transition, workplace, and independent-living preparation.
Life Skills & Executive Functioning
Organization, independence, planning, and everyday success skills.
Academic Tutoring
Academic support and study skills personalized to learner needs.
Work Ready
Job and workplace skills for teens preparing for future employment.
The Friend Group
Social skills and friendship practice in a supportive setting.
Explore the Complete Academy Catalog
Browse additional programs, upcoming offerings, and enrollment information.
Our Educators
Experienced Educators. Purposeful Programs.
Meet the educators who help turn each program into a supportive, engaging learning experience.
INSTRUCTOR 1 PHOTO PLACEHOLDER
Paste approved instructor photo URL in the IMAGE QUICK EDIT AREA.
Paste approved instructor photo URL in the IMAGE QUICK EDIT AREA.
Instructor Name
Instructor Title / Program
Approved instructor bio and credential highlights will be added once the final information is provided.
INSTRUCTOR 2 PHOTO PLACEHOLDER
Paste approved instructor photo URL in the IMAGE QUICK EDIT AREA.
Paste approved instructor photo URL in the IMAGE QUICK EDIT AREA.
Instructor Name
Instructor Title / Program
Approved instructor bio and credential highlights will be added once the final information is provided.
Parent Support
A Complete System for Your Journey
A clear, supportive learning experience with communication and personalization built into the process.
Qualified, Experienced Instructors
Learners participate in live instruction designed around the program and learner needs.
Small-Group & 1:1 Options
Choose a group experience or individualized instruction depending on the learner and program.
Personalized Adaptations
Programs can be approached with the learner's strengths, interests, abilities, and support needs in mind.
Inclusive Learning Space
A welcoming environment designed to support diverse learning needs and participation.
Practical Skill Growth
Learning connects to confidence, communication, independence, and everyday success.
Consistent Parent Updates
Parents receive important registration, scheduling, class, and program-related updates.
88 Blue Academy
Learning for Today. Skills for Life.
Learning for Today. Skills for Life.
About 88 Blue
Learning That Connects to Real Life
88 Blue Academy is the learning and skill-development program of Vaughn Gage Center, providing personalized and inclusive learning, life-skill, and career-readiness programs for learners of all ages, with a specialization in ages 14–22.
The goal is simple: create meaningful learning experiences that help learners build practical skills, confidence, communication, independence, and readiness for what comes next.
Getting Started
Getting Started Is Simple
A straightforward process from choosing a program to receiving your next steps.
Choose a Program
Explore current programs and select the option that fits your learner.
Choose How to Register
Choose an education funding option first, if applicable. Private-pay registration is also available.
Review Agreement
Review the Parent Service Agreement before completing registration.
Complete Registration
Submit the requested parent and learner information.
Receive Next Steps
Receive registration, payment/funding, scheduling, and class information.
Need Guidance?
Not Sure Which Program Is Right?
Tell us what you're looking for, including the learner's interests, learning needs, goals, and support needs. We'll help point you toward the most appropriate program.
HELP ME CHOOSE →
Parent Resources
Resources for Families
Helpful information for understanding programs, registration, funding, and next steps.
Parent Service Agreement
Review the Parent Service Agreement before completing registration.
REVIEW AGREEMENT →Education Funding
Learn more about available education funding pathways and registration steps.
FUNDING INFORMATION →Registration Help
Need assistance choosing a program or completing registration? Start here.
GET REGISTRATION HELP →
Connect With 88 Blue
Ready to Get Started?
Explore the available programs, choose the registration path that works for your family, or reach out if you need help deciding.