ESU 7 Cen7ter
Grades and ages
Ages 14-21
Tuition
Contact for pricing
About ESU 7 Cen7ter
The Cen7ter (also known as the 7 Center) is an Educational Service Unit 7 specialized secondary and transition facility located on 44th Avenue in Columbus, Nebraska. Established as a Level 3 regional education program, the Cen7ter serves students ages 14 to 21 with developmental, intellectual, and multiple disabilities from public school districts throughout Boone, Butler, Colfax, Nance, Platte, and Polk counties.
Operating on an individualized schedule from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Cen7ter structures its educational program across five core life domains: functional academics, domestic living and self-help skills, recreation and leisure, community mobility, and vocational training. Special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and therapy specialists partner with over 20 Columbus area employers to offer supervised community work experiences, job coaching, and daily life skills instruction that empower young adults to transition successfully into post-secondary community independence.
Student fit
Who this school serves
Grades and ages
- 9-12
- 14-21
Learning needs supported
- developmental disabilities
- intellectual disabilities
- autism spectrum disorder
- mobility impairments
- speech and communication challenges
School facts
Practical details for families
Tuition and funding
Tuition: Contact for pricing
- Public school district placement contracts
- ESU 7 member district funding
Visit us
Location and directions
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ESU 7 Cen7ter
What is the primary focus of the ESU 7 Cen7ter program?
The Cen7ter focuses on preparing young adults ages 14 to 21 with developmental disabilities for adult life through five foundational areas: functional academics, domestic living, recreation and leisure, community involvement, and vocational workforce training.
How does vocational training work at the Cen7ter?
Students participate in hands-on work experience in real community settings. The program partners with more than 20 local Columbus businesses, providing job shadowing and supervised employment coaching tailored to each student's interests and abilities.
How do families access enrollment at the Cen7ter?
Placements are initiated through the student's resident school district and IEP team within the ESU 7 service area. The district contracts with ESU 7 to provide Level 3 specialized transition services when transition goals call for community-based vocational instruction.
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