In 1958 there were no educational opportunities for children born with developmental disabilities. A group of concerned parents got together to solve the problem and formed Muscle Shoals Association for Retarded Children.

The first program operated by Muscle Shoals A.R.C. was in a house owned by First Baptist Church of Sheffield. The A.R.C. later petitioned the state to gain control of the previously condemned Valdosta Elementary School. When their request was granted, Hope Haven School was born.

Hope Haven initially served persons aged five and older with developmental disabilities in Laudardale, Colbert, Lawrence, Franklin and Hamilton counties. In 1972 a new building was constructed on the property and the program expanded.

In the early 1980's the federal government passed a law requiring schools to provide educational opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities. At that time, Hope Haven became an adult training program, serving persons beginning at age 21.

In 1994 the name was changed to Arc of the Shoals, an action taken by the chapters of the Arc, nationwide. The new name focuses on peoples abilities, not their disabilities.