Sand Hill School

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 elementary and middle school in Palo Alto for kids with dyslexia and twice-exceptional (2e) learners — bright students who also have a learning difference. Classes are small, so teachers can keep up with where each student actually is. Reading and writing are taught with an Orton-Gillingham approach, the structured, multisensory method built for dyslexic learners. On-site speech-language and occupational therapy, along with social skills groups, are part of the regular school day rather than tacked on. Each student works from an individualized plan that names their strengths, not just their gaps. The school also runs summer programs and builds in real-world and vocational skills as students get older.

Bowman School, located in Palo Alto, California, offers an outstanding Montessori education for children from 12 weeks to 12th grade, emphasizing the development of the whole child. The school serves a diverse student body, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners, through a nurturing and inclusive environment. Bowman's core mission revolves around fostering curiosity and critical thinking through an integrated curriculum that encourages experiential learning. Students engage with materials that stimulate their senses, allowing them to explore concepts deeply and interconnectively across disciplines. The Montessori approach is tailored to developmental stages, featuring multi-age classrooms where children can thrive at their own pace. Programs are designed to inspire wonder and understanding while promoting responsible citizenship and kindness within the community. Unique differentiators include a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1, which ensures personalized attention; a year-round program catering to busy families; and a rich cultural diversity represented by families from over 30 nations. With an emphasis on global perspectives and meaningful contributions, Bowman School prepares students not just academically but also as engaged citizens ready to navigate the complexities of the world.