Summit Public Schools: Sierra

At Academy for Precision Learning (APL), we believe that every individual possesses a unique set of talents and capabilities. As a K-12 independent school in Seattle, we are dedicated to empowering our students in defining and achieving their aspirations for a fulfilling life. Our community is built on the foundation of celebrating neurodiversity, advocating for individual voices, and promoting agency among our learners. We provide a safe, dynamic, and inclusive environment where neurodiverse students—including those with autism and ADHD—learn alongside their neurotypical peers. Our instructional model is strengths-based and highly individualized, focusing on the social and emotional well-being of our students just as much as their academic success. With small class sizes and a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, we offer an experiential and community-based learning approach that makes education accessible and meaningful. Every student at APL is treated as a partner in their own learning journey, as we work together to identify their passions, motivations, and goals for the future. We uniquely integrate clinical supports directly into the school day. Our classrooms are staffed with talented educators, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and Behavior Technicians who provide embedded therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and social skills support. This collaborative model ensures that students can access their education while developing the essential skills for independent living. Our comprehensive support services also include counseling and summer programming designed to nurture the whole child. Families choose APL for our warm community and our commitment to high-quality outcomes. We are a Washington State-approved Non-Public Agency (NPA) and partner with over 10 school districts for IEP contract placements. For our high schoolers, the Pathways Program provides a robust framework for post-secondary planning, ensuring students graduate with a state-recognized diploma and a realistic, fulfilling plan for college or transition programs. Whether through district funding, insurance coverage for clinical services, or financial aid, we strive to make our transformative education accessible to all.

Aspiring Youth is a dedicated educational institution serving students aged 8 to 18 in the Puget Sound region, including Seattle, West Seattle, Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland. The school's core mission is to empower young individuals with diverse needs, by fostering confidence and building social skills. Through engaging programs such as Social Skills Groups and enriching Summer Camps, Aspiring Youth creates a supportive environment where students can thrive in their personal development. The curriculum is designed to be both fun and educational, offering unique opportunities ranging from theater and art to outdoor climbing adventures. Additionally, the Tech Camps at the Seattle Creator Studio provide a platform for students to explore technology while enhancing their learning experiences. Aspiring Youth stands out due to its commitment to low student-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention that nurtures trust and connection among students. By emphasizing strong family partnerships and community engagement, the school cultivates an inclusive atmosphere where every student can navigate their social world effectively.

Boyer Children’s Clinic is a non-profit neurodevelopmental center and special education facility that has served children and families in the Puget Sound area since 1942. Founded by a group of doctors, parents, and volunteers to provide services for children with cerebral palsy, it has evolved into one of the region’s premier resources for children with neuromuscular disorders and developmental delays. Operating from two Seattle locations—the flagship clinic in Montlake and a satellite site in Magnuson Park—Boyer provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to early intervention and childhood development. The clinic is the largest provider of Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) services in Seattle, primarily serving children from birth to age three. The highly-skilled staff includes therapists, nurses, educators, a developmental pediatrician, social workers, and family resources coordinators. Together, they offer physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies, as well as nurse coordination and medical consultation to ensure each child reaches their maximum potential and improves their quality of life. Boyer’s educational offerings include the Seattle Developmental Bridge Program, a specialized track for children birth to 48 months who may have missed early support windows or require help transitioning between programs. The clinic also features unique programs like CHERISH™, which supports children in the foster care system, and CONNECT, designed to eliminate barriers for families facing homelessness. All instructional and therapeutic models focus on functional daily living skills, social-emotional development, and empowering parents to be their child’s best advocate. Admissions are coordinated through a centralized intake department, with services funded through a mix of state-supported programs like ESIT, Medicaid, and private insurance. Boyer remains committed to accessibility, offering transportation support for eligible families and maintaining a strong partnership with community foundations. By fostering a collaborative environment between medical professionals and families, Boyer Children’s Clinic continues its 80-year legacy of providing hope and specialized care for children with complex developmental needs.