Tacoma Children's School

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.

The Emerald Learning Center is a certified Non-Public Agency (NPA) and Special Education school dedicated to providing intensive behavioral and educational support for students with complex needs. Serving unique learners ages 5 to 22, the school operates campuses in Redmond and Seattle, Washington. The program is specifically designed for students who require a specialized educational environment due to diverse behavioral, cognitive, and learning challenges, including those with autism, developmental disabilities, and brain injuries. Instruction at the Emerald Learning Center is grounded in a multi-disciplinary approach that blends best practices from special education, behavior analysis, occupational therapy, and speech and language services. The school provides 1:1 support for every student, ensuring that a behavior technician, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), or special education teacher is present at all times. Highly individualized curricula are developed based on Washington State Core Standards and differentiated to meet each child’s specific goals and objectives as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The therapeutic philosophy of the school emphasizes progressive, trauma-informed care that prioritizes the dignity and safety of every student. The program fosters autonomy and self-advocacy, using positive practices and data-driven methodologies to support meaningful progress. By focusing on socially significant treatment goals and communication, the school aims to improve the quality of life for students and their families while preparing them for a return to public school or a less restrictive environment. The school maintains a highly qualified staff, including state-certified special education teachers, BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. The Emerald Learning Center follows a 12-month academic calendar, providing a comprehensive 30+ hour per week program that includes an Extended School Year (ESY) session. This consistent, year-round support is essential for students to generalize skills across different environments and situations. Admissions are based on a thorough review of student records to ensure they can benefit from the intensive, person-centered therapeutic support offered. As a certified NPA, the school often works in collaboration with local school districts to provide educational placements for students whose needs cannot be met in traditional settings. The Emerald Learning Center remains committed to transparency and collaboration with families and community partners to ensure the best clinical and educational outcomes for its students.