Halcyon School (Special Education)

Alaya Preschool, located in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, has been a nurturing environment for young children aged 2 to 5 for over 45 years. The school's core mission is to cultivate genuine relationships and foster emotional and social growth in children with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. Alaya emphasizes a holistic approach to early childhood education, where children learn through direct experiences and safe relationships with peers and adults. The curriculum is enriched by programs that focus on social competency, language development, emotional well-being, and creative expression, all within a homelike setting that encourages exploration and play. What sets Alaya apart is its commitment to low student-teacher ratios and strong family partnerships. Parents are actively involved in their child's education through various activities, including classroom participation and community service projects. This collaborative spirit extends to the school's unique facilities, and the expansive outdoor play areas that include dedicated spaces for each class as well as a school garden. Alaya's guiding principles draw from Shambhala Buddhist traditions, emphasizing kindness, respect for each child's growth, and the celebration of basic goodness within every individual. This supportive framework not only nurtures child development but also honors the unique experiences of each child in a joyful community atmosphere.

Hillside opened in 2005 to give students with dyslexia the expert, individualized instruction they deserve, and today stands as Boulder County's first Center for Dyslexia. Students receive specialized instruction in reading, writing, and math within a supportive half-day program, attending either a morning or afternoon session that coincides with the Boulder Valley School District calendar. With a maximum of five students per class, close student-teacher interaction and individualized instruction are possible, along with a supportive community of learners. Hillside teachers partner with each child's classroom teacher at their traditional school, sharing information about the Hillside program and communicating throughout the year about the child's learning needs. Beyond the school day, Hillside offers Learning Evaluations, Professional Development for Educators, Parent and Community Programs, and Student Support Services, each designed to strengthen the ecosystem around every student. The school is accredited by AdvancED/NCA and is a member of NAIS and the International Dyslexia Association.

Temple Grandin School opened in Boulder in 2011 for neurodivergent middle and high school students. Dr. Temple Grandin granted permission for us to use her name, though she is not involved in daily operations. Students with autism and ADHD are a particularly good fit for our socio-academic program, which gives social learning the same weight as academics. Everything from how we start the day with Morning Meeting to the topics students study is planned with neurodivergent learners in mind. Students learn about neurodiversity and how it applies to them, and they build friendships with like-minded peers and adults who appreciate how they think. Admissions are rolling, and students may apply any time until the start of the fourth quarter. Families tour the campus, submit an application with recent diagnostic, educational or neuropsychological reports and two teacher recommendations, and the student spends three days visiting classes. Families usually hear a decision within one to two weeks of the visit, and we work with families on financial assistance so a TGS education is within reach.