In-District Classrooms Help Students Thrive  

In-District Classrooms (IDC) are specialized programs designed and managed by SESI that operate in a local school district. IDCs offer small, structured, therapeutic environments for students who require additional academic, behavioral, and emotional support.  

Through collaboration with the district, students remain in a local community school while receiving intensive support beyond what traditional classrooms offer. SESI provides evidence-based, data-driven, and district-aligned instruction based on individual students’ unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Districts provide the space. SESI provides the staff, programming, and expertise. 

Together, we ensure students receive the right supports while remaining part of their local school community.

How Students and Families Benefit 

  • Small, structured, therapeutic classrooms 
  • Individualized instruction and personalized behavior support 
  • District-aligned curriculum and targeted interventions 
  • Opportunity for individually planned and paced transition to the home school district 
  • Increased opportunities for school engagement and extracurricular activities 

How Districts Benefit 

  • Cost-effective programming alternative to out-of-district placement  
  • Support for students returning from out-of-district placement 
  • Trained classroom staff using a proven, outcomes-based model 
  • Build capacity across the district to meet IDEA & FAPE mandates 
  • Flexible and customizable to meet your school district’s needs 

Visible Growth

Communication with the team is excellent. The students are advancing in their goals, social, emotional, and academic abilities. Parents express how they see a difference in their child’s attitude and behavior toward school.

Julie A., Director of Special Education

IDC Stories of Impact

Communication with the team is excellent.

My child was struggling to get through a basic day before the IDC. He is now thriving and spending more time in a typical classroom! The patience and knowledge of the teachers and social workers changed our lives.

Ashley N., Parent

SESI IDCs Keep Students Close to Home

SESI’s In-District Classrooms offer students the intensive support they need while keeping them in their home school community. With individualized instruction and therapeutic supports, students build the skills and confidence to make steady progress. IDCs minimize more restrictive placements and support transitions to less intensive settings.

FAQs for Districts

IDCs are funded by the district through a variety of available sources. Because the classrooms operate in your district and serve students locally, many districts see significant cost savings compared to out-of-district placements. SESI partners with you to build a staffing and service model that fits your budget and aligns with your students’ needs.  

Every IDC follows SESI’s evidence-based behavioral framework, which includes positive behavior supports, consistent routines, proactive interventions, and crisis prevention strategies. Classrooms are highly structured and staffed with professionals trained in de-escalation and therapeutic supports. The goal is to help students develop the tools they need to return to more independent, less-restrictive settings 

SESI handles all recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training for the IDC. We leverage a national talent pipeline, local partnerships, and comprehensive professional development to attract mission-driven educators and support staff. Employees receive ongoing coaching, data-driven feedback, and access to career pathways that help retention stay strong. 

Absolutely. IDC instruction mirrors your district’s curriculum, pacing expectations, and state standards. While instruction is differentiated and personalized to meet individual student needs, it remains firmly anchored in your district’s academic vision. 

District teams submit a referral packet and collaborate with SESI to review the student’s needs and determine fit. From there, we partner with the district and family to observe the student, answer questions, and plan next steps. The IEP team makes the final placement decision, and together we establish services, a transition plan, and a start date.  

Reintegration is guided by student data and IEP team decision-making. When students demonstrate readiness, we work together to develop a phased transition plan that increases time spent in less-restrictive settings with the right supports in place to ensure success. 


FAQs for Families

An IDC is a specialized classroom located inside your child’s home district. Operated by SESI in partnership with the district, it provides a smaller, structured learning environment with individualized academic and behavioral support while keeping your child connected to their school community, peers, and familiar routines. 

Both settings offer structured, supportive environments designed to meet students’ needs. The key difference is location and the level of integration. An IDC is run by SESI in partnership with your district, so your child can receive specialized support in their home school district. A private day school is a separate program outside the district for students who need a more intensive setting. 

If the IEP team recommends an IDC, SESI and the district will work with you to plan a smooth, supportive transition. This may include classroom visits, meeting the staff, reviewing routines, and building a comfort plan tailored to your child. 

Families receive regular updates on academic progress, behavior data, and IEP goals. Communication is ongoing, and families are always welcome to reach out, ask questions, or meet with the classroom team. 

Absolutely. Because IDCs are located within the district, students often participate in school activities, sports, or events as appropriate. Being in an IDC keeps them connected to peers, staff, and familiar routines. 

Yes. Reintegration is a part of the process. When students are ready, the IEP team creates a gradual transition plan to increase their time in general education or other district settings. 


Let’s Talk About Your District’s Needs 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current services or you are exploring new partnership models, SESI offers flexible solutions to meet your district’s unique needs. Let’s talk about how we can support your goals. Schedule a meeting today.