Our Story

The journey of The Ashford Rise School of Dallas began with one family’s determination to create a brighter future for children with developmental disabilities. In 1995, after the birth of twins on Easter Sunday, their son was diagnosed with Down syndrome. This life-changing moment ignited their passion for exploring what could be done to improve the lives of children with special needs and their families. 

After countless meetings, visits with parents and professionals, and trips across the country, they found the answer in 1997 at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The "Rise" program, under the visionary leadership of Martha Cook, Ed.D., provided a groundbreaking approach to early childhood education. It blended specialized therapies and an inclusive environment where children with developmental disabilities learned alongside their typically developing peers—exceeding expectations for growth and achievement.

Inspired and energized, the family proceeded to raise the necessary funds to establish The Rise School of Dallas and Houston both which emulate the Rise Program at the University of Alabama. The Rise School of Dallas began operation at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in April 1998 as an IRS 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. With continued growth and support from the community, in 2016, the school joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, moving into the Moody Family YMCA, and through a generous donation from Ashford Incorporated renamed the school to The Ashford Rise School of Dallas.

Our story is one of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child.