In 2003, the Autism Resource Centre (ARC) launched a project to provide comprehensive support for autistic Singaporeans, which included plans to set up the first autism-focused special school in Singapore.

[2] After opening in January 2004 with 10 teachers and 41 students,[3] Pathlight School conducted charity walks, merchandise sales and other events to raise funds for the introduction of more programmes for an expanding intake.

[6] The following year, Pathlight School moved to its permanent campus and announced plans to develop student internship programmes,[5] build an information technology centre, and set up a lifelong learning club for alumni.

[3] The permanent campus of Pathlight School at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, which was constructed by W Architects and cost S$34 million to build, spans 1.6 hectares (0.016 km2; 0.0062 sq mi).

Its facilities include 45 classrooms, four computer labs, three courtyards, an industrial kitchen and a multi-purpose area, as well as special art, music and design rooms.

For example, the walls and floors have a simple colour scheme, to avoid triggering sensory overload, while the taps in the canteen are slightly different from each other to help students learn to adopt less rigid routines.