In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the realm of specialized education and behavioral health services, FullBloom, a prominent youth-focused education and behavioral health platform, has acquired two campuses from Lexington Life Academy, based in Mesa, Arizona. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for FullBloom’s Specialized Education Services Inc. (SESI) division, which now operates five specialized schools and several in-district classrooms in Arizona. The addition of these campuses further strengthens SESI’s ability to support children with autism and other developmental or behavioral challenges.
The newly acquired campuses, one in Phoenix and the other in Mesa, are tailored to provide K–12 education for children with autism and a variety of behavioral and developmental challenges. This acquisition is part of FullBloom’s ongoing commitment to provide specialized educational services to children who require a more individualized and inclusive learning environment.
FullBloom and Specialized Education Services Inc.: A History of Impact
Specialized Education Services Inc. (SESI), which has been a leader in providing specialized education for children with autism and other developmental challenges, has partnered with over 600 school districts and is currently working with more than 7,000 children on a daily basis. Since its inception, SESI has emphasized a strong commitment to student individuality, recognizing that each child has unique needs and strengths that must be nurtured to help them thrive academically and socially.
Dawn Thomas, president of SESI, shared her thoughts on the acquisition: “Since its inception nearly a decade ago, Lexington Life Academy has developed a reputation for providing an education that celebrates student individuality and empowers young people to excel.” This statement underscores SESI’s dedication to the philosophy that education should not only be about academic achievement but also about empowering students to overcome the challenges they face. With this acquisition, SESI can extend its reach and impact, offering these high-quality services to even more students across Arizona.
Why This Acquisition Matters
The two newly acquired campuses offer more than just educational facilities; they represent an important step forward for FullBloom and SESI in their mission to provide accessible, specialized education and behavioral health services for children with autism and other developmental disorders. The two campuses in Phoenix and Mesa are critical additions to the SESI network, which already operates a strong presence in the region.
Lexington Life Academy, the organization that previously ran these campuses, has established itself as a key provider of educational services for children with intellectual and developmental disorders. By acquiring these campuses, FullBloom not only gains access to these existing facilities but also the institutional knowledge and reputation of Lexington Life Academy. This acquisition strengthens SESI’s position as a leading provider of specialized education services for children with autism and developmental challenges, both in Arizona and beyond.
Furthermore, the acquisition is part of a broader trend in the sector, where companies like FullBloom and SESI are increasingly focused on expanding their reach through mergers and acquisitions. FullBloom’s leadership has made it clear that it intends to continue expanding in this space. The company is “actively seeking independent programs” that align with its cultural focus and mission, suggesting that more acquisitions may be on the horizon.
A Vision for Growth and Innovation
FullBloom’s strategic acquisition of Lexington Life Academy is only one part of a larger plan for growth. The organization’s leadership is focused on expanding its offerings in several areas, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavioral health, child development, special education, and training. FullBloom’s vision for growth is rooted in its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of children with behavioral and developmental challenges, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and care for their academic and personal development.
FullBloom’s acquisition of EmpowerU in September 2023, a digital mental health services provider for K–12 students, further exemplifies the company’s commitment to expanding its services and integrating technology into its offerings. This acquisition, along with the Lexington Life Academy campuses, signals FullBloom’s ambition to provide a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to supporting the mental health, education, and behavioral needs of young people.
The company is also expanding its leadership team to support these ambitious goals. New appointments at FullBloom, including Akosua Kankam as Chief Revenue Officer, Timothy Hickey as Chief Marketing Officer, and Steven DeVore as President of the Little Leaves division, reflect a growing emphasis on innovation, revenue growth, and leadership within the company’s specialized education and behavioral health divisions. These appointments come at a time when FullBloom is positioning itself as a leader in the education and behavioral health space.
The Role of FullBloom in the Behavioral Health and Education Landscape
FullBloom’s comprehensive approach combines educational services with behavioral health interventions, ensuring that students receive well-rounded care that addresses both their academic and personal needs. This holistic approach to education and behavioral health is crucial for children with autism and other developmental challenges, as it enables them to succeed not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
The acquisition of the Lexington Life Academy campuses aligns with FullBloom’s ongoing mission to provide specialized education services for children with diverse learning needs. With a strong presence in 42 U.S. states and 11 countries, FullBloom is able to deliver services that incorporate applied behavior analysis (ABA), a widely recognized and evidence-based approach to addressing behavior and learning challenges associated with autism.
By incorporating ABA into its specialized schools, FullBloom offers students a structured, supportive environment where they can thrive. ABA is integral to helping children with autism develop critical life skills, including communication, socialization, and adaptive behavior. Through its specialized schools and in-district classrooms, FullBloom’s SESI division offers these services to thousands of children, empowering them to live fulfilling, independent lives.
The Future of Specialized Education and Behavioral Health
The need for specialized education and behavioral health services is only growing as awareness of developmental disorders like autism continues to increase. Families and communities are seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges these children face, both in school and in their everyday lives. FullBloom’s continued growth and acquisitions are a testament to the increasing demand for such services and the company’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of children and families.
With its acquisitions of Lexington Life Academy campuses and EmpowerU, FullBloom is positioning itself to be a leader in both specialized education and behavioral health services. The company’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology into its services, expand its leadership team, and continue to acquire new programs will likely result in even greater opportunities to support the mental health and educational needs of young people across the United States.
As the behavioral health and education sectors continue to evolve, FullBloom is poised to be at the forefront of this change, driving innovation, expanding access to high-quality services, and improving outcomes for children with autism and other developmental disorders.
A Broader Impact on the Community
Beyond its internal growth and acquisitions, FullBloom’s work has a broader impact on the communities it serves. By expanding its reach, FullBloom helps to ensure that more children with autism and developmental challenges have access to the education and behavioral health services they need to succeed. This, in turn, benefits families, schools, and communities as a whole, as children receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
As FullBloom continues to build its reputation and expand its services, it is likely that more families will benefit from its innovative approach to education and behavioral health. Through its acquisition of Lexington Life Academy’s campuses, FullBloom is helping to create a brighter future for children with autism and other developmental challenges, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Empowerment
FullBloom’s acquisition of Lexington Life Academy campuses in Phoenix and Mesa represents a strategic move to expand its impact on the lives of children with autism and other developmental challenges. With a strong focus on specialized education and behavioral health services, FullBloom is meeting the growing demand for these services and continuing to expand its offerings through strategic acquisitions and innovations.
As the company continues to grow, it remains focused on providing a comprehensive, supportive environment where children can succeed and reach their full potential. FullBloom’s work, along with its commitment to expansion and innovation, is transforming the landscape of education and behavioral health, empowering young people to excel and lead fulfilling lives.
