Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will visit six public schools in coming weeks, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Arizona Autism Charter School’s (AZACS) new Upper School campus at 1445 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix.

The governor’s visit to AZACS will focus on the school's innovative special education program, which includes classes on life skills and career exploration.

“Having our state’s top leader at our school is an amazing honor and wonderful opportunity for our students, teachers and staff,” Diana Diaz-Harrison, founder and executive director of AZACS, said. “The demand for our program has been tremendous and after only two years in operation, we are opening our second campus. We look forward to showing Gov. Ducey how we work with children at all levels of the autism spectrum to prepare them to become fulfilled, productive citizens.”

AZACS is the state’s only K-8 charter school focusing on students with autism.

“One in 64 Arizona children are diagnosed with autism, one of the highest incidence rates in the nation,” Ducey said. “The visit to Arizona Autism Charter School is a great opportunity to meet with school leaders to talk about educational solutions that will prepare this growing population of children for vocational, college and career opportunities.”