Bowman School (Main)

AchieveKids is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing exceptional educational services for students aged 5-22 with complex learning needs. Operating specialized schools in Palo Alto and San Jose, AchieveKids focuses on creating opportunities for students in special education through a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. The core mission is to empower students with special needs to thrive in a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. AchieveKids offers a range of specialized programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. Key offerings include individualized curricula that integrate best practices from various fields such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), mental health support, speech and language therapy, and vocational education. The school emphasizes positive behavioral practices, effective communication, and community integration, ensuring that each student receives a tailored educational experience. Additional services include behavioral health support, transition services, and social skills groups, all aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills to reintegrate into public schools or less restrictive environments. What sets AchieveKids apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. The campus environment is designed to be nurturing and inclusive, fostering a sense of belonging among students. Specialized technology and resources are utilized to enhance learning experiences, while vocational training prepares students for future employment opportunities. AchieveKids also offers summer programs that provide continued learning and social engagement, further enriching the educational journey for students with special needs.

Athena Academy is a private school in Palo Alto built for dyslexic and 2e learners, students whose strengths and learning differences show up side by side. Our elementary classrooms run at an 8:1 ratio for grades 1 to 5, and middle school classes run at 10:1 for grades 6 to 8. Students rotate teachers through the day and are placed in math and language arts by readiness rather than grade alone. Instruction is multisensory and project-based. Students study how words are built through Structured Word Inquiry, use clay modeling to master concepts, follow a structured writing program, and solve real-world problems with hands-on math manipulatives. Music, theater, visual art and technology run through the program, and executive functioning and self-advocacy skills are built into every class alongside social-emotional learning. Admission includes a review of recent assessments such as the WISC and Woodcock-Johnson, current school records, and a two-day classroom visit. We also run a summer camp, and families can apply for financial aid.

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is a TK through 8th grade community day school on a four-acre Palo Alto campus, welcoming children ages 4 to 14 from many backgrounds. About 350 students learn with a staff and faculty of 96, and our Lower School runs a 6 to 1 student-teacher ratio. The campus has three buildings with a library of 15,000 English and Hebrew books, a Beit Tefillah prayer space, science laboratories, a design lab and studio, art and music studios, a gym, sports fields and a garden. Our academic program pairs STEM integrated throughout the curriculum and project-based learning at every grade with Jewish studies and Hebrew taught as a living language. Many faculty hold National Board Certification or advanced degrees, and learning support specialists work with teachers and our school counselor so students get the support they need. We are accredited by CAIS and WASC, offer financial assistance, and extend the day with after-school programs and athletics.