PARENT-FOUNDED • INDIVIDUALIZED • LIFE-FOCUSED
A School Built From Lived Experience.
Preparing Students for Life.
Founded by Angel and Connie Rodriguez after their own journey raising two sons on the autism spectrum, Waterfall Academy provides individualized academics, life skills, and independence-building in a supportive environment where every child is known, understood and encouraged to grow.
Every child has a purpose, potential, and promise.
RICHARDSON • DALLAS AREA
Serving families since 2018
Cognia
Accredited
TEFA
School
Nonprofit
Organization
Richardson,
Texas
Serving Families
Since 2018
BORN FROM LIVED EXPERIENCE
We understand this journey because we've lived it.
Waterfall Academy was founded in 2018 by Angel and Connie Rodriguez, inspired by their lived experience raising two sons on the autism spectrum.
When they could not find exactly what their children needed, they set out to create it. That lived experience continues to shape how Waterfall approaches education today—from individualized learning and small, supportive classrooms to functional academics, life preparation, and partnership with families.
"Every child has a purpose, potential and promise."
- Angel & Connie Rodriguez, Founders
LEARNING FOR SCHOOL. PREPARING FOR LIFE.
More Than Academics. Skills for Life.
At Waterfall Academy, education goes beyond academics. Students develop the communication, confidence, practical skills, and independence they need to participate meaningfully at home, in the community and in their future.
Daily Living Skills
Cooking, budgeting, routines, organization, and practical everyday skills.
Communication & Social Confidence
Building communication, relationships, self-advocacy, social understanding, and confidence.
Community & Independence
Developing confidence navigating real-world environments and participating meaningfully in the community.
Future Readiness
Exploring strengths, interests, responsibilities, career awareness, and possibilities beyond the classroom.
Because success is not only measured by what a student knows-it is also measured by how confidently they can use what they know in life
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Who We Are
Waterfall Academy is a nonprofit private school in Richardson, Texas, serving students with autism, learning differences, and unique learning needs.
Founded by parents who understood this journey firsthand, Waterfall combines individualized academics with functional learning, communication, life preparation, and independence-building in a supportive environment designed around each student's strength.
See Waterfall in Action
Step inside Waterfall Academy and see the people, classrooms, learning experiences and community behind our mission.
What Families & Students Say
Real voices from our Waterfall community
Partnerships & Accreditation
