Children's Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD)

Meadow Crest Early Learning Center is a district-run, certified inclusive preschool serving children ages 3-5 with FREE services for eligible children with disabilities under IDEA/IEP or 504 plans. The center provides integrated settings with speech, occupational, and physical therapy services, along with comprehensive early intervention support. With strong family partnerships and individualized attention, Meadow Crest prepares children with and without disabilities for kindergarten success through evidence-based inclusive practices.

New Horizon School (NHS) is a private, alternative school in Renton, Washington, dedicated to serving students in grades 4-12 and beyond who have learning disabilities, attention deficits, and other learning differences. Founded in 1995 by a group of committed educators and parents, the school provides a successful learning environment that empowers students with diverse learning styles, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and executive function challenges. The school is a state-approved private school and a non-public agency (NPA) that has maintained accreditation since 1997, focusing on making education accessible through personalized instructional and therapeutic approaches. The school's instructional model is designed to support the academic and social growth of each student through small class sizes and a blend of academics and hands-on learning. The academic program is divided into Elementary (grades 4-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12), with specific graduation requirements including the High School and Beyond Plan and junior/senior culmination projects. Additionally, the THRIVE Transition Program (formerly Transition Extension) serves students aged 18 and beyond with developmental disabilities, providing structured community-based instruction to foster independence and successful transitions to adult life. Therapeutic and student support services are integral to the NHS experience. The school partners with Antioch University to provide on-site mental health counselors and Fresh Start Communication Therapy for speech and language services. NHS fosters a vibrant neurodivergent community where family partnership is highly valued; families are required to participate in fundraising and volunteer hours to support the school's programs. The campus features specialized facilities including the Gary Taylor Memorial Garden and a multipurpose administrative building, all designed to create a safe and nurturing learning environment. Admissions at New Horizon School involve a multi-step process including a personal interview, review of records, and a two-week school visit to ensure a good fit for the student's needs. The school encourages applications from students of all social and economic backgrounds and promotes diversity and acceptance. While specific tuition amounts are discussed during the financial agreement process, the school offers financial aid grants to households who otherwise could not afford to attend, ensuring that economic diversity is maintained within the student body.

Renton School District 403 operates comprehensive special education programs serving students with dyslexia, behavioral issues, and language-based learning disabilities. The district provides evidence-based interventions including ABA therapy, Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. With IEP and 504 support in both mainstream and specialized placements, the district maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers mental health services, vocational training, and summer programs for qualified students.