New Horizon School

Children's Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD) is a state-approved private day school and therapy program for children with significant learning and behavioral challenges. Located on a campus in Renton, Washington, CHILD serves students who have experienced severe school failure, often in multiple settings. The program is designed to help vulnerable students develop and apply new skills critical for success, with the ultimate goal of successfully reintegrating them into a more traditional school setting, usually within one to three years. The school's instructional approach is centered on the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model developed by Dr. Ross Greene. This empathy-driven, non-punitive, and psycho-educational approach is guided by the belief that 'kids do well if they can.' Using tools like the Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems (ALSUP), staff identify triggers for concerning behavior and focus on teaching skills such as flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem solving. Small class sizes and high teacher-to-student ratios (including a 2:1 ratio in classrooms) ensure that each student receives individualized, focused attention. CHILD provides a comprehensive suite of school-based therapy services, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling. These services are integrated into the school day and are provided to enrolled students as determined by their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The curriculum is project-based and incorporates integrated arts, music, videography, and outdoor education as core components of the programming. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CHILD operates in partnership with over 30 public school districts in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties. It is approved as a Non-Public Agency (NPA) by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and as a private school by the Washington State Board of Education. CHILD maintains a commitment to inclusive admissions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

Meadow Crest Early Learning Center in Renton provides inclusive preschool for children ages 3 to 5. Our classrooms bring together community peers and children with special needs, with learning focused on play and preparation for kindergarten. State-certified early childhood special education teachers, classroom assistants, speech therapists and motor therapists work in the program. Support services include speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, a school nurse and a school psychologist. Class size rarely exceeds sixteen children. Renton School District provides the program at no cost to eligible children with special needs, starting as early as their third birthday, with transportation for qualifying students. Community peers attend through a separate tuition program. Preschool meets Monday through Thursday for two and a half hours, with morning and afternoon sessions.

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.