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Collective Learning Academy Inc

EIN 83-2861081 · Atlanta, GA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE TO FORM, MAINTAIN, ADMINISTER, AND OPERATE AN INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, INCLUDING THOSE WITH DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS, WHILE SEEKING TO DEVELOP THE WHOLE PERSON FOR COLLEGE AND FOR LIFE THROUGH SUPERIOR EDUCATION.

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
91%
Reserves
4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 92%
Employees
12
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$106,827, ceo & head of school

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 71% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes -0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    91% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 24 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $796,128 spent. The Academy Collective Learning Academy operates an accredited K-12 school offering academic and experiential learning for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 10-22. These students attend school Monday-Friday on a traditional school schedule from August to May. Most every student has an autism diagnosis with coexisting disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and Down's Syndrome. Students have previously demonstrated they are unable to learn in a large group setting, and our program provides a ratio of three students to every one certified teacher. The small classroom and individualized attention provide the necessary environment for the students to effectively learn and thrive. During the 2024-25 school year we had 7 students across 3 classrooms in the Academy. Students will either graduate and pursue post-secondary studies or move to our Transition Program to develop independent living and workforce readiness skills.
  2. $236,959 spent. Transition Program In 2022, Collective Learning Academy created a program for students who have "aged out" of high school but who do not have the ability or aspiration to pursue a post-secondary education. These young adults are interested in continued opportunities to learn but focused on developing independent living and workforce readiness skills. In February 2024, we opened the Model Studio Apartment which provides a fully operating kitchen and demonstration island, working laundry room, lounge, and primary bedroom and closet. Student progress is measured individually based on specific skill charts, and person-centered planning (PCP) is employed to establish goals and road map for each student. Some students will "graduate" from this program to join the workforce in some capacity and live at home and/or join a group home setting where they can both work and live "independently." In 2024-25, we served 6 students in this program.
  3. Summer Program Families of students with disabilties often need support during the summer months. Our staff are employed 11 months of the year, and we offer a 6 week summer program for our school-year students and other students who might benefit from our program design. We offer limited academic support and emphasize more the community-based learning experiences and socialization that are a hallmark of our school year program as well. The number of students each week can vary (parents pay by the week) and our enrollment is generally less than the school year enrollment for both the academy and transition program. Enrollment varies week to week in the summer, but we saw an increase in enrollment in the Summer of 2025 that we believe will continue to grow.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending July 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2019.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.