Aspire buys former University of New Haven campus in Orange for school and adult services

Aspire Living & Learning has purchased the former University of New Haven satellite campus in Orange, Connecticut, and plans to open a renovated home for its special education school, adult day program and state administrative offices in summer 2027. The 47-acre site gives the nonprofit room to expand services, deepen community partnerships and add new learning and work opportunities.

Why it matters: - Aspire Living & Learning is consolidating and expanding key Connecticut programs in one larger campus. - The move gives the nonprofit more space for specialized education, adult services and community-based learning. - Aspire says the Orange site will help it innovate while supporting future growth.

What happened: - Aspire Living & Learning bought the former University of New Haven satellite campus at 584 Derby Milford Road in Orange, Connecticut. - The nonprofit closed on the 47-acre property on Sept. 28, 2026. - The campus will become the new home of the Trumbull location of Aspire Living & Learning Academy, the adult community-based day program and Connecticut administrative offices now in Hamden. - ALL Academy’s Naugatuck and Stamford locations will remain in place.

The details: - The property includes a 70,680-square-foot building. - Aspire plans to renovate the building over the next year. - The renovation will create dedicated environments for each program. - Programming is expected to begin in summer 2027. - The campus will be used to support neurodivergent children and adults. - Aspire says the Orange plan will prioritize accessibility and innovation. - The school will focus on giving students access to learning, technology, experiences and opportunities without forcing a tradeoff between individualized support and a full school experience. - The adult day program will have dedicated space on the campus while continuing to use the surrounding community as part of the program. - Aspire plans to use the campus as a starting point for learning, work, skill-building and experiences beyond the property. - The organization plans to build relationships with employers, businesses and community organizations in the area. - Those partnerships are intended to expand opportunities for employment, internships, volunteering and community-based learning. - Volunteers and donors will also be able to support the campus. - Philanthropic support will help fund technology, equipment, additional environments and experiences beyond the core renovation. - Aspire will share renovation updates, additional campus plans and opportunities to visit, partner and get involved over the coming year. - More information is available here.

Between the lines: - The purchase reflects a broader strategy to give Aspire more control over program design and expansion. - Moving school, adult services and administrative functions to one campus could streamline operations. - The emphasis on employer and community partnerships suggests Aspire wants the site to function as both a school and a community hub. - The renovation plan also opens a path for donor-supported enhancements beyond the base buildout.

What’s next: - Aspire will spend the next year renovating the Orange campus. - The organization expects programming to start in summer 2027. - Aspire will continue to update the public on renovation progress and ways to engage with the project. - The nonprofit is also seeking partners, volunteers and donors to help shape the campus.