An autism-focused school will move into a former seminary campus on DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell after the Whitpain Township Zoning Hearing Board voted unanimously Thursday, July 16, to grant the zoning relief needed for the project.

Capstone Academy, which currently operates in East Norriton, plans to occupy the three-building property at 831 DeKalb Pike and 826 and 832 Second Avenue. The campus previously housed the Reformed Episcopal Seminary. MEH Investments purchased the property from the seminary's diocese and plans to sell it to Capstone Academy, according to reporting by Around Ambler.

Amanda Flavell, Capstone Academy's executive director and founder, testified before the board that the site's small room sizes would create a better learning environment for the school's 34 students and 25 direct teaching staff. Flavell, who holds a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State University and has more than 20 years of experience working with individuals with autism, founded the school to provide highly individualized instruction.

The property's three buildings will serve distinct purposes: one as an office and rectory, one for classroom education and one for life skills training. Capstone plans to use the former dormitory's existing kitchens and living spaces to teach students daily activities like cooking meals and general housekeeping.

The school serves students ages 6 to 21 who have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Older students receive on-site job training, while younger children work on communication skills and school preparation. Many students learn in a one-to-one ratio with a teacher before moving to small groups as they gain independence.

Flavell told the board she hopes to partner with local police and fire companies, calling Capstone a positive asset to the community.

No timeline for the move to the Blue Bell campus has been announced. Capstone Academy's current facility is at 351 E. Johnson Highway in East Norriton.