The Joshua School - Boulder

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.

Halcyon School is the day program of the Boulder Valley School District, serving students from the elementary grades through age 21 whose social-emotional and mental health needs call for a more supportive setting. Enrollment happens through placement by the district and a special education team. Students keep a concurrent enrollment at their home school and work with our staff toward a return to a less restrictive environment. Elementary students stay in one classroom while our content-trained teachers rotate in; middle and high schoolers change classes through the day. Courses follow district and state standards, including game design and speech and debate, and every student joins a daily pro-social group built around social and self-care skills. Two site-based Clinica therapists provide individual clinical services, families can request a consult with a prescribing psychiatric provider, and our interventions specialist is the first line of support in a crisis. BVSD provides transportation to our Bucknell Court campus, breakfast and lunch for students who want them, and the related service providers named in each IEP. The Panther Nation gathers for First Friday Breakfasts, Final Friday Film Festivals and an annual WinterFest.

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.