The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges across the education and behavioral health landscape, and autism schools have been among the hardest hit. One such institution, Crotched Mountain School in Greenfield, New Hampshire, faced closure after 67 years of serving children and young adults with autism and other disabilities. Financial struggles brought on by the pandemic pushed the organization past its limits, forcing its leadership to make the painful decision to shut its doors.
However, what could have been the end of an era quickly turned into a new beginning. Gersh Autism, a leading provider of autism educational and support services, stepped in and agreed to acquire the school. By taking over operations, Gersh Autism ensured that Crotched Mountain would remain open, safeguarding services for students who rely on its programs.
This acquisition is just one part of Gersh Autism’s broader strategy to support schools in crisis, preserve essential resources for families, and create a stronger national network of autism education.
COVID-19 Pushes Autism Schools to the Brink
Crotched Mountain’s closure announcement highlighted the financial pressures weighing down schools across the country. Like many nonprofit and private-pay institutions, Crotched Mountain faced declining enrollment as families hesitated to invest in distance learning. At the same time, COVID-19 safety measures and additional expenses strained already tight budgets.
CEO Ned Olney called the decision “excruciating,” emphasizing that the pandemic tipped the balance for an organization that was already operating close to the financial line. Unfortunately, this situation is not unique. Autism schools across the country have been struggling with similar challenges, leaving many families uncertain about their children’s educational future.
Gersh Autism’s For-Profit Model Provides Stability
While nonprofits have struggled, Gersh Autism has managed to weather the storm thanks to its unique structure. Headquartered in Huntington, New York, Gersh Autism operates as a for-profit provider, contracting directly with public school districts to serve students who do not succeed in traditional classroom settings.
The company specializes in providing education for children ages 5 to 21 on the autism spectrum, offering tailored programs that focus on social, academic, and life skills development. With locations in New York, Washington, and Puerto Rico, Gersh Autism already serves 300 to 400 children daily. Its acquisition of Crotched Mountain will nearly double its reach.
Kevin Gersh, founder and CEO, acknowledges that the term “for-profit” often carries negative connotations in education. However, he emphasizes that the stability of this model has allowed Gersh Autism to continue serving students during the pandemic, while many nonprofits have been forced to close.
Rapid Response During the Pandemic
When schools shut down in March 2020, Gersh Autism responded quickly to ensure continuity of care and education. The company purchased 300 computers for students and fully transitioned to an online learning platform. At the same time, Gersh made tough staffing decisions, reducing the workforce by more than 400 employees and rehiring only those deemed most qualified and committed.
This leaner, more focused team helped the organization pivot successfully to a hybrid learning model. Today, Gersh Academy students participate in a combination of in-person and virtual instruction, with two days of online learning each week. The company is also developing a comprehensive online program to serve children globally, extending its reach beyond physical campuses.
Saving Schools Through Strategic Acquisitions
Crotched Mountain is the first of several potential acquisitions Gersh Autism is exploring. Since the start of the pandemic, the company has been contacted by at least six struggling schools across the country. In some cases, owners have been so desperate to keep their schools alive that they offered to give them away for free, as long as Gersh Autism committed to keeping them open.
These acquisition opportunities represent more than just business growth. For Gersh, they are part of a mission to preserve essential services for children and families who may otherwise be left without options. He believes strongly in the idea of “resurrecting” schools that still have potential, providing the resources and expertise needed to make them sustainable for the future.
The Future of Crotched Mountain Under Gersh Autism
Beginning November 1, Gersh Autism will take full operational and financial responsibility for Crotched Mountain’s day and boarding schools. Both organizations plan to share best practices to strengthen outcomes for students.
For example, Crotched Mountain’s extensive training and onboarding programs for staff will remain in place. Gersh Autism also hopes to expand student opportunities by introducing vocational programs and even driver education, which are already available through Gersh Academy.
This partnership represents not just a continuation but an enhancement of services, aligning both schools under a shared vision of providing high-quality, individualized education for children with autism.
Building a National Autism Education Network
The acquisition of Crotched Mountain marks the beginning of what Gersh Autism envisions as a national expansion strategy. By rescuing struggling schools and creating a “rollup” model, Gersh hopes to build a network of autism schools across the United States.
This approach is rooted in the belief that there were not enough autism schools even before COVID-19. With the pandemic causing further closures, the need for strong, sustainable programs is greater than ever. Gersh Autism aims to fill this gap by leveraging its resources and business model to ensure that students with autism have access to the specialized education they need.
A Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, Gersh Autism’s immediate goal is to strengthen its online distance learning platform, ensuring that existing students receive the best possible support. The second phase of the company’s plan is to expand through acquisitions, building a national footprint of high-quality autism schools.
For families and students, this vision represents hope at a time when many feel uncertain about the future of autism education. For Gersh Autism, it is an opportunity to combine business acumen with a commitment to serving children on the spectrum, proving that a for-profit model can still prioritize compassion and care.
Conclusion
The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in the autism education system, pushing many schools to the brink of closure. But where some see endings, Gersh Autism sees opportunities for renewal and growth. By acquiring Crotched Mountain and exploring additional rescue deals, Gersh Autism is working to preserve essential resources for children with autism and their families.
The company’s proactive approach during COVID-19, its focus on both educational quality and financial sustainability, and its long-term vision for national expansion all position Gersh Autism as a leader in the future of autism education. As founder Kevin Gersh put it, “A rising tide raises all boats.” With Gersh Autism leading the way, more schools and students may soon be lifted by those rising tides.
