Adelbrook Academy plans Manchester school expansion for autism
- Thirteen years after opening in Manchester, Adelbrook Academy is planning a 2,150-square-foot expansion to nearly double its student capacity in response to growing demand for specialized autism education,...
- The Manchester school previously won zoning approval in 2025 to add a second floor, but after reviewing cost estimates, the nonprofit operator decided instead to build an addition...
- President and Chief Executive Officer Alyssa Goduti noted that autism is the fastest-growing disability, increasing the need for specialized services.
Thirteen years after opening in Manchester, Adelbrook Academy is planning a 2,150-square-foot expansion to nearly double its student capacity in response to growing demand for specialized autism education, courant.com reported. The state of Connecticut is contributing $2.5 million toward constructing four new classrooms, which will accommodate 30 additional children aged 3 to 11 and create about 30 new staff positions.
Expansion Plans at the Manchester Facility
The Manchester school previously won zoning approval in 2025 to add a second floor, but after reviewing cost estimates, the nonprofit operator decided instead to build an addition off the northern face of the single-story building. The project also involves renovating administrative areas to add new office spaces and treatment rooms tailored for students with complex disabilities, alongside a redesigned parking lot.
Adelbrook Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Alyssa Goduti noted that autism is the fastest-growing disability, increasing the need for specialized services. When we can get the services to those students at a young age, they do much better in the long run,
Goduti said, according to courant.com.
Connecticut Grants $1.5 Million to Expand Manchester Academy
Gov. Ned Lamont announced a $1.5 million grant for the project in mid-September, building on a $1 million award previously granted to the organization. State Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, campaigned for the project and emphasized the local need for the state investment. The Manchester academy currently serves 40 pupils and always reaches capacity, receiving 55 applications for new placements two years ago while only being able to accommodate six.
State data indicates that 13.8 percent of special education students in Connecticut receive services for autism, compared to a U.S. average of 12.2 percent. Across its various campuses in Bloomfield, Cromwell, Middletown, and Manchester, Adelbrook serves students from roughly 60 school districts.