The Paxton mansion in Leesburg has been empty for about three years. Its owner willed that it be used for convalescent or disadvantaged children when she died in 1922. The Aurora School, which serves two dozen autistic and developmentally or intellectually disabled students, is intending to move to the estate in the fall of 2009.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Leesburg, Purcellville, schools, special education

This building on the Paxton property in Leesburg will be used for the Aurora School.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Leesburg, Purcellville, schools, special education

The 24 children at Aurora School in Purcellville, all of whom have autism, work toward reinforcements. Here, Aaron Cmar puts another happy face on his board as he works toward a popcorn treat.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Purcellville, schools, special education

Aaron Cmar, 8, and Katelyn Lassiter, 12, enjoy some free time on a swing. They earned the time on the swing after working hard at the Aurora School. The school, which is currently located behind a strip mall in Purcellville, services 24 autistic children from ages three to 15.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Leesburg, Purcellville, schools, special education

Kyle Allen, 11, works on his communication skills at the Aurora School. He uses sign language and an electronic keyboard device.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Purcellville, schools, special education

Students at the Aurora School in Purcellville have their own cubicle where they work one-on-one with a therapist. Here, occupational therapist Michelle Woolwine works on handwriting skills with Katelyn Lassister, 12, one of only two girls at the school.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Purcellville, schools, special education

Aaron Cmar, 8, works on language and articulation skills with therapist Brenda Nowlin. All 24 students at the Aurora School have autism.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: education, Purcellville, schools, special education