Giant Steps School

A Pioneer in Autism Education

A specialized, bilingual, and neuroaffirmative school supporting autistic students from ages 4 to 21, where personalized learning, integrated supports, and a strength-based approach help each learner grow, belong, and thrive.

The Beginning

Giant Steps School was founded in 1980, growing out of a groundbreaking after-school program developed by visionary music therapist Darlene Berringer. What began in a church basement with just seven autistic students soon evolved into one of the world’s first schools dedicated specifically to autistic learners—and a revolutionary model for autism education.

With its innovative, holistic, multi-sensory, and person-centred approach, Giant Steps quickly gained international recognition, leading to the creation of Giant Steps schools in Toronto, Connecticut, Missouri, Tasmania, Sydney, Kamloops, and Chicago.

Until her departure in 2003, Darlene Berringer continued to expand the school’s programs, advocate tirelessly for the autism community, and firmly establish Giant Steps as a world-renowned leader in inclusive education.

A Purpose-Built Environment for Growth

In 2023, Giant Steps School moved into the newly constructed Giant Steps Centre—a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed to meet the needs of autistic students. Located in the Technopôle Angus neighbourhood in Montreal, the Centre offers a sensory-friendly environment with specialized classrooms, therapy spaces, quiet rooms, kitchens, and a gymnasium, all tailored to support diverse learning profiles.

This modern, inclusive space enhances students’ comfort, engagement, and sense of belonging, while fostering greater independence and participation. The new facility also allows for expanded programming and closer collaboration across education, therapeutic, research, and community initiatives—ensuring students benefit from a truly integrated and enriched educational experience.

Empowering Every Learner

Recognized and subsidised in the public interest by the ministère de l’Éducation, Giant Steps School continues to deliver a holistic educational experience where academic achievement, personal development, and therapeutic support are fully integrated. The school’s mission is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, grow with confidence, and take meaningful steps towards the future–while being supported to remain their authentic selves.

Educational services are offered in both French and English, ensuring accessibility for families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Student Population

Giant Steps welcomes autistic students, aged of 4 to 21, into its specialised educational programs, which include:

Preschool (ages 4-5): Early learning experiences that build foundational skills in a nurturing environment.

Primary Education (ages 6-11): Personalised instruction aligned with the provincial curriculum and tailored to individual learning profiles.

Secondary Education (ages 12-21): Comprehensive support that builds academic, social, and life skills to prepare students for adulthood.

Our Approach

Personalized. Strength-based. Adaptive.

At Giant Steps, education is not one-size-fits-all. Learning experiences are tailored to each student through:

Differentiated instruction and adapted materials
Integration of educational and assistive technologies
A focus on autonomy and self-determination
A strength-based approach that promotes engagement and success
Students are supported to progress at their own pace and experience meaningful achievement.

MOSAIC

A 360° Vision of Inclusion

MOSAIC is Giant Steps’ integrated model of support, connecting education, therapy, family collaboration, and community participation into one cohesive experience.

Interdisciplinary collaboration across all supports
Continuity between school, home, and community
Personalized pathways that evolve over time
Connection to future opportunities in adulthood and employment

MOSAIC ensures that each student’s journey is individualized, coordinated, meaningful, and built around real-world participation, benefiting from:

Integration into community schools with support
Participation in pre-work or work placements
Engagement in community and social activities

Giant Steps supports each student in transitioning toward inclusive environments whenever appropriate.

Integrated Therapies

Therapeutic services are embedded directly into each student’s learning experience:

Speech & Language Therapy: Supporting communication and social interaction
Occupational Therapy: Developing independence and daily living skills
Behavioural Support: Personalized plans for self-regulation and well-being

These supports are integrated into daily activities to reinforce learning and development.

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to core therapies and academics, students benefit from specialized programs that nurture key life and social skills:

Play & Social Skills: Strengthening peer interaction and emotional intelligence
Essential Skills: Building daily living and community participation competencies
Computer & IT Literacy: Fostering digital proficiency while equipping students with tools that support academic achievement, communication, engagement, and creative expression.

Lumina

Discovering Strengths, Building Futures

Lumina supports students in preparing for life beyond school by helping them:

Identify strengths and interests
Develop life and pre-employment skills
Engage in hands-on learning (teaching kitchen, makerspace)
Participate in individualized transition planning

It serves as a bridge toward adulthood, community participation, and future employment pathways.

Admission FAQs

What is a specialised private school in the public interest?

A specialised private school declared to be in the public interest, such as Giant Steps, offers targeted educational and therapeutic services to a defined student population, based on established admission criteria. These schools are governed by their own Board of Directors and operate as non-profit organizations.

Recognized and subsidized by the ministère de l’Éducation, they serve as complementary resources to school service centres and school boards. When a public school is unable to meet the specific needs of a student—particularly in cases involving complex or significant disabilities—the student may be referred to a specialized school like Giant Steps. It is the responsibility of the school board or service centre to assess the need for an extra-territorial agreement with Giant Steps for a child’s placement.

How do I apply?

When the application process is open (Nov-Feb), the first step is to fill out the application form and submit it along with the diagnostic report and any other pertinent reports (speech, OT, etc.).

If you are already part of a service centre or school board, we encourage you to communicate with the educational consultant there regarding a referral to Giant Steps School. This referral is helpful but is not an integral part of the application process, and a lack of referral does not prevent you from starting the process.

What are the fees?

Giant Steps is a private school that is subsidized by the ministère de l’Éducation. This funding allows us to provide services at a cost that is comparable to the public sector.

For new and returning students, the registration fee is $200 annually, payable before the start of the school year. There are additional fees for lunchtime supervision ($720), school materials ($220) and Parents’ Committee fees ($60).

Additional costs include:

School outings
Before and after school program

Does Giant Steps have its own transportation service?

Giant Steps School does not operate its own transportation service. Transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the student’s family and/or their referring educational body. Options may include:

Service Centre or School Board Transportation:
If a student is enrolled at Giant Steps through an agreement with their local school board or service centre, transportation may be provided by that body. However, it is important to note that even with an enrollment agreement in place, the school board or service centre is not obligated to offer transportation services.
Parental Transportation:
Parents or guardians may choose to transport their child to and from school directly.
Private Transportation:
Families may also arrange for private transportation at their own expense.
Public Transit:
Where appropriate, some students may use public transportation.

Are School Board / Service Centre Agreements Prioritized?

Yes. The Ministère de l’Éducation requires that applications supported by a School Board or Service Centre agreement (entente) be prioritized. Families are encouraged to meet with school professionals (teacher, principal, or specialized staff) to discuss whether such an agreement may be pursued. All agreements must be approved by Giant Steps, the School Board / Service Centre, and the parents.

Is There a Waiting List?

Giant Steps does not operate a traditional, first-come, first-served waiting list. Applications are reviewed annually based on available spots for that particular year (age, language, and needs). For example, if there is a spot available in an English-speaking classroom for a student around the age of 5, all corresponding files will be considered. You should hear from us by the end of May, whether your child has been selected for an evaluation or not.

What Are the School Hours?

School runs Monday to Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

How Many Students and classes do you have and what Is the Classroom Ratio?

Giant Steps currently serves 135 students across English (students must have a certificate of English eligibility for instruction in English) and French classrooms.

Each class has 9 to 12 students, supported by a team of a minimum of three staff members: a teacher, educator, and attendant. A dedicated behavioural success support team and interns further enhance classroom support.

What Curriculum Do You Follow?

All students follow a ministère de l’Éducation–approved curriculum, adapted to their individual needs:

Preschool (ages 4–5): Modified Quebec Education Program – Preschool Education
Primary (ages 6–11): Modified Quebec Education Program or CASP – Competency-Based Approach to Social Participation (for students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability). This is for students who are 6 to 11 years old on September 30th.
Secondary Cycle 1 (ages 12–15): students follow the CASP Education Program – a Competency-Based Approach to Social Participation (for students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability).
Secondary Cycle 2 (ages 16–21): Challenges Program – Social Integration Approach

Can a Student Reintegrate into a Regular School?

Yes. Giant Steps supports inclusive education and prepares students—when appropriate—for reintegration into community schools. Reintegration is personalized and may include transitional support by a Giant Steps staff member.

How Are Students Selected?

To be considered for admission, a child must:

Have a primary autism diagnosis
Be at least four years old by September 30 of the entry year

Giant Steps welcomes students across the autism spectrum. Each application is carefully considered to ensure the best possible fit for the student and the classroom environment. Placement decisions take into account the child’s individual profile, strengths, and needs, with the goal of grouping students with similar learning styles, support requirements, and age ranges.

Due to limited space, not all applicants will be invited for evaluation. If selected, your child will be assessed by our professional team, and you’ll be informed of the decision at the end of the evaluation period.

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future years by contacting the school and updating their file.