Emerald Learning Center

Annie Wright Schools, established in 1884, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging educational environment for students from age three through Grade 12. With a commitment to serving a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, the school emphasizes the development of each child's unique strengths. The International Baccalaureate programs offered throughout all divisions foster critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Annie Wright Schools distinguish themselves through their low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and tailored support for every student. The school also promotes strong family partnerships and offers specialized facilities that enhance learning experiences, such as a 25-yard indoor pool and expansive arts programs. Community events further enrich the school culture, creating an atmosphere where students thrive academically and socially.

Carpe Diem Academy focuses on the needs of the whole child, addressing cognitive, physical, medical, social, and emotional development. The school serves children and young adults with developmental disabilities, providing a comprehensive approach that combines intensive therapeutic interventions with cutting-edge technology. The academy's goal is to create a successful transition into inclusive school programs by offering a nurturing and safe environment where students can develop, recover, and maintain essential skills for independence. The academy serves students from age 3 through adulthood, with programs specifically designed for those with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social disabilities. The Tacoma campus, which opened in 2019, offers classes with low student-teacher ratios, typically 5:1 or 10:1, to ensure personalized attention. The instructional model utilizes technology, web-based software, and experiential activities to meet individual educational objectives, grounded in scientific research on learning capacity and behavioral principles. Admissions to the Tacoma campus require a referral from the student's local school district, and students must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to be considered for placement. The school works closely with local districts to determine the most appropriate resources and settings for each student. Funding for school placement is typically handled through district contracts, ensuring that families have access to specialized education and therapeutic support. The academy also serves as a therapy center, offering speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral (ABA) therapies, as well as mental health counseling and cognitive assessments. These services are available to both enrolled students and community members on an outpatient basis. This dual role as an academy and therapy center allows for a holistic support system where therapists, teachers, and families collaborate as a multidisciplinary team to foster the best outcomes for every child.

Lilac Learning Center (formerly Lilac City Behavioral Services) is an OSPI-approved nonpublic agency special education school that serves individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Founded in 2016, the center focuses on raising the standard for special education by delivering highly effective instruction and meaningful behavioral support. The Tacoma campus provides a comprehensive Special Education Day School program alongside consultation services for students who require intensive, individualized care to reach their full potential. The school's instructional and therapeutic approach is rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, with a focus on teaching skills that make a substantial impact on daily life. For younger students, the program emphasizes communication and foundational school readiness, while older students focus on enhancing self-help, leisure, and daily-living skills. The Day School operates year-round during normal school hours (8:30 am to 3:00 pm), ensuring consistent progress and a supportive environment for students with moderate to severe needs. Lilac Learning Center prides itself on a collaborative team approach, involving an interdisciplinary clinical team that works closely with families, schools, and agencies. This partnership ensures a seamless transition between therapy and home life, empowering caregivers with practical strategies for continuous growth. The program maintains high staff-to-student ratios and prioritizes extensive staff training to advocate for each child's specific needs and foster long-term independence. Admissions are conducted through a referral and consultation process. Prospective families can request a consultation or submit an enrollment request via the center's website. As a publicly funded program approved by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Lilac Learning Center works with various school districts and accepts multiple insurance plans, including Washington Medicaid and several private providers, to support a diverse range of student needs.