Morgan Autism Center

What Morgan Autism Center does

Morgan Autism Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1969 in San Jose, California, that delivers specialized educational and adult day services to individuals significantly impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization operates a non-public school certified by the California Department of Education serving students ages 5 to 22, structured around 8 classrooms with staff-to-student ratios of 1:1 to 1:3, plus an Adult Day Program operating for over 40 years and a newly launched (2025) Adaptive Skills Training program. Its core methodology combines errorless learning, total communication approaches (verbal, sign-language, written, AAC devices), a distinctive 15-minute rotational classroom model, and individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans grounded in functional behavior assessments.

The business model rests on three revenue streams: (1) IEP-based contracts with more than 30 Bay Area school districts across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties, (2) California Regional Center vendorization under service codes 531 (Adult Day Program) and 605 (Adaptive Skills Training), and (3) charitable fundraising through events such as the annual Starry Starry Night gala (over $440,000 raised in 2025) and Move-for-MAC festival, a monthly "Along the Journey" giving program, e-waste donations, and corporate sponsorships. Families are not billed directly. Distribution occurs via district referrals and Regional Center enrollment, supplemented by consultation services to other organizations implementing the MAC classroom model and first-responder autism training reaching approximately 800 individuals per year.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Josh Drake (joined May 2023), with a senior team including program directors, a Director of Finance and Business, and a Development Director hired April 2025. A 4.6-acre campus acquired in 2016-2017 anchors operations, and the organization is pursuing Dream Campus 2.0, a property-acquisition and construction plan to add four school classrooms and new adult program space as part of its Vision 2030 strategic plan.

Name

Morgan Autism Center

Legal name

Morgan Autism Center

Website

https://morgancenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Morgan Autism Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1969 in San Jose, California, operating a certified non-public school for students ages 5-22 with autism and developmental disabilities, plus adult day and adaptive skills training programs funded by school district IEPs and California Regional Centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education and Autism Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Other Schools and Instruction (6116), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism-Specific Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism 1:1 Paraprofessional / Aide Support Services (EDAKAKAD), Transition & School-Readiness Support for Special Needs Children (HSAAAIAO), Autism Diagnostic & Educational Assessment Services (EDAKAKAA)

Keywords

• Autism education services
• Special education programs
• Developmental disability services
• Adult day programs
• Nonpublic school services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Jose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. School District Funding (IEP-based): Public school districts fund student placements through Individualized Education Plans. Students are referred from more than 30 Bay Area districts in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties. Revenue flows from school district contracts based on student enrollment and services specified in IEPs.
2. Regional Center Funding (Adult Programs): Adult day program and Adaptive Skills Training program services are funded through California's Regional Center system. Service codes 531 (Adult Day Program) and 605 (Adaptive Skills Training) define vendorization and reimbursement structures.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Major annual events include Starry Starry Night gala (raised over $440,000), Move-for-MAC festival (raised over $86,000), and monthly giving program 'Along the Journey'. Additional revenue from e-waste donations and apparel store sales.
4. Donations and Fundraising Events: Corporate sponsors, family sponsors, and in-kind donors contribute to annual fundraising. Fund-a-Need initiatives support specific projects like Dream Campus 2.0 property acquisition (raised over $150,000).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Morgan Autism Center operates a California Department of Education-certified non-public school serving students ages 5-22 significantly impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities, delivering individualized education on a 4.6-acre sensory-friendly San Jose campus. It also runs an Adult Day Program (Service Code 531) and an Adaptive Skills Training program (Service Code 605, launched 2025) for adults with developmental disabilities, funded through California's Regional Center system and partnered with Bay Area school districts via Individualized Education Plans. The Center supplements these programs with Reverse Mainstreaming, First Responder Training, volunteer engagement, and consultation services to other organizations seeking to replicate its model.

Product overview

Morgan Autism Center operates as a single, unified service organization offering educational and adult programs for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. The core portfolio consists of the School Program (serving students ages 5-22 with individualized education), the Adult Program (offering both Adult Day Program services and Adaptive Skills Training), and Community Connections (including reverse mainstreaming, first responder training, volunteer programs, and consultation services). These programs work together under a person-centered approach to serve individuals throughout their lifespan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• School Program A California Department of Education-certified non-public school serving students ages 5 to 22 who are significantly impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. Provides individualized education with high staff-to-student ratios targeting communication, cognition, social behavior, motor, and self-help skills on the San Jose campus.
• Adult Day Program (ADP - Service Code 531) A person-centered adult day program designed for individuals with autism emphasizing meaningful engagement in a calm, sensory-friendly environment with low staff-to-participant ratios and individualized programming. Funded through California Regional Centers.
• Adaptive Skills Training (AST - Service Code 605) An individualized skills training program that helps individuals with developmental disabilities strengthen everyday life skills needed for greater independence through hands-on instruction in real-life skills within a small-group learning environment. Reimbursed under California Regional Center Service Code 605.
• Reverse Mainstreaming Program Program pairing neurotypical students from private schools with MAC students and adults for games, interaction, and lessons. Provides meaningful interaction and modeling while educating mainstream students on autism and neurodiversity.
• First Responder Training Autism awareness and de-escalation training program provided to law enforcement, firefighters, emergency dispatch, correctional officers, park rangers, and paramedics. Delivered since 2010 in lecture format or campus visits, reaching approximately 800 individuals per year.
• Consultation Services Paid consulting engagements for organizations seeking to better serve students with autism, ranging from full implementation of the MAC classroom model across multiple age levels to individual consultation for serving a specific student or client. Active collaboration with Santa Cruz County Office of Education since 2008.

Quantifiable outcome

• Starry Starry Night 2025 raised over $440,000, demonstrating strong community support and donor engagement.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Something to Say AAC, Language and Speech Therapy Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2022Speech therapy partnership providing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Language and Speech Therapy services. Therapists specialize in AAC, Hanen Center's 'It Takes Two to Talk' and 'More Than Words' programs for preschool children with autism, PROMPT, and basic American Sign Language (ASL). Students receive one hour per week of individual therapy plus weekly group therapy with 3-4 peers.
• Magical Bridge FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Magical Bridge Foundation for Dream Campus 2.0 outdoor space design. Magical Bridge creates multigenerational playgrounds, parks, and programs for inclusive communities. With a decade of experience, they create premier outdoor spaces for community playgrounds, schools, and museums. The partnership aims to create a worldwide destination site for others to learn from serving individuals with significant autism.
• Laughing Giraffe TherapycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOccupational Therapy partnership providing student-centered OT services. Interventions support unique fine and gross motor, self-care, and sensory-regulatory needs. Services prioritize sensory-motor activities supporting optimal arousal for learning. Services provided throughout campus and in well-equipped OT gym.
• Loma Prieta Region of the Porsche Club of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing community supporter recognized at Starry Starry Night for their 'Kill-A-Kone' autocross fundraiser benefiting Morgan Autism Center.
• Santa Cruz County Office of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to implement the MAC model and ensure its fidelity, with Sun Garcia managing the collaboration since 2008.
• Star One Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting fundraising events and organizational operations.
• InikosoftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting fundraising events and organizational operations.
• HBC (Huntington Beach Chrysler Jeep Kia)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Starry Starry Night and Move-for-MAC events.
• Heffernan Insurance BrokersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Rotten RobbieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Starry Starry Night 2026 online auction and annual fundraising events.
• RebalanceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Berliner CohenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Lathrop GPMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Padgett Business ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• SanminaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• RW VineyardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Joseph George Fine WinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Field Recordings WineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Abbott StringhamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for annual fundraising events.
• Bay Area Private Schools (Reverse Mainstreaming)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with private schools throughout Bay Area for reverse mainstreaming program. Beginning with St. Nicholas school in Los Altos in late 1980s, students visit MAC regularly to participate in games, interaction, and lessons. Program provides mainstream school students education on autism, neurodiversity, and community involvement.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE): PACE operates non-public school and adult day program services for individuals with autism across multiple Bay Area sites, directly overlapping Morgan Autism Center's school-age and adult-program service categories in the same region.
• The Help Group: California-based nonprofit operating multiple non-public schools and adult programs for children and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities, with overlapping pedagogy, IEP funding model, and lifespan coverage.
• New England Center for Children: Operates a residential and day non-public school program for children with autism using structured, individualized curricula, closely mirroring Morgan Autism Center's specialized school and adult-program approach.
• Giant Steps School: Private school in Illinois dedicated to students with autism delivering individualized instruction, therapeutic supports, and transition services, highly comparable to Morgan's school program model and mission.
• Gateway Center of Monterey County: California regional nonprofit providing day and residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities; Morgan's incoming Development Director previously led Gateway, signaling overlapping adult-program models in adjacent California markets.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals Bay Area: Large regional nonprofit delivering a broad portfolio of disability services across the Bay Area, including autism programs, adult day services, and case management—overlapping macro-service mix but spanning a much larger, more diversified program footprint.
• The MENTOR Network: National provider of home and community-based services, residential supports, and day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; competes for Regional Center and similar Medicaid-funded adult caseloads.
• AC Behavioral Health / LEARN Behavioral: Large provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA), autism educational services, and developmental disability supports across multiple states; overlaps on family-facing autism intervention but with a clinical/ABA-heavy delivery model versus MAC's non-public school.

Emerging players

• College Internship Program (CIP): National transition, vocational, and life-skills program for young adults with autism and learning differences, partially comparable to Morgan's newly-launched Adaptive Skills Training adult offering.

Others

• Stanford Autism Center at Packard Children's: Academic clinical and research center evaluating and treating individuals with autism; not a direct competitor but a regional clinical referral partner and de-facto feeder for MAC's school and adult programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/morganautism
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@morganautismcenter9804
• Facebookfacebook.com/morganautismcenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/morganautism
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/morgan-autism-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Morgan Autism Center