2025 marks a very special year for Matthew's Center- our 25th Anniversary! For a quarter of a century, we have been dedicated to empowering student's, fostering a love of learning, and building a strong, supportive community. As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate the students, families, educators, and staff who have made Matthew's Center a place of growth, inclusion, and success.

Here's to 25 years of making a difference-- and many more to come!

Welcome to Matthew's Center

Matthew's Center's is a private special education day school licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and a proud member of Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF). Matthew’s Center serves over 12 different public school divisions located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Matthew’s Center was founded in 2000 by Mark and Laurie Heilman, the parents of Matthew, a child with autism. From its humble beginning, serving two students in a local church, Matthew’s Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has grown and now serves over 30 students ranging from the ages of 5-22 years of age. In 2024, Matthew’s Center earned a 5-year accreditation operating standard from VAISEF.

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