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High Road School of Hartford: High School

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, High Road School of Hartford: High School provides individualized instruction in smaller, structured classrooms. Our private day school goes beyond what typical classrooms provide, offering an evidence-based approach including a comprehensive range of specialized services and a team of highly-trained educators to help students—and their families—shine.

School Info

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Grades
8-12, Adult Prep Program

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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High Road School of Hartford: High School is where students with academic, emotional, and behavioral needs uncover their potential through individualized learning that goes beyond what most classrooms can offer. In our private day schools, we meet each student where they are.

Smaller class sizes and high-quality, student-centered instruction allow our teachers, therapists, and staff to build strong connections with each student in nurturing, respectful, structured, and positive learning environments. Drawing from a comprehensive range of specialized services, High Road School educators implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to help each student shine—at school, at home, and in the community.

Our students benefit from SESI’s Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that:

  • Individually support each student’s academic, behavioral, and emotional needs
  • Prevent barriers to learning in our classroom environments
  • Connect our team with students, staff, families and district partners to ensure the growth of essential skills outside of the classroom setting

Through evidence-based, data-driven instruction that is aligned with your student’s strengths and IEP goals, we meet your student where they are. In other words, we do not tier your student, we tier our supports to uniquely meet your student’s needs.

Strong relationships with our students, families, and school district partners are our highest priority. Together, we shine a bright light on the possibility and untapped potential of every High Road School student.

Related services offered at this school include BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and social work services tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets High Road School of Hartford: High School Apart

Our Learning Pathways

  • Spark: Academic and Behavior Support​

    Spark: Academic and Behavior Support​

    Students We Serve

    • Students with strong academic potential and behavioral or emotional challenges
    • Learners impacted by trauma, adversity, or unstable home environments
    • Students navigating school avoidance, anxiety, or juvenile justice involvement
    • Those needing support with regulation, peer relationships, and trust-building
    Spark Student Profiles
  • Spring: Instruction and Life Skills​

    Spring: Instruction and Life Skills​

    Students We Serve

    • Students with learning disabilities, autism, or communication delays
    • Learners preparing for adulthood with support needs in academics and life skills
    • Students who benefit from structured routines, repetition, and visuals
    Spring Student Profiles
  • Bloom: Functional Communication and Daily Living

    Bloom: Functional Communication and Daily Living

    Students We Serve

    • Students with significant cognitive and/or physical impairments who are nonverbal or minimally verbal
    • Learners who need close support with communication, transitions, and self-care
    • Students who thrive in calm, structured, sensory-friendly environments
    Bloom Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

  • Tailored Programs

    Tailored Programs

    We carefully assess unique student needs and then craft personalized programs that allow each student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Progress is continuously monitored, ensuring key milestones are met and celebrated.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

  • Matthew has been a part of High Road Schools of Connecticut since 2010, beginning his career as a transition coordinator for both Wallingford and Hartford High Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s in special education from Central Connecticut State University. Further enhancing his leadership capabilities, he earned a degree in school leadership from Sacred Heart University.

    With a fervent dedication to empowering students to excel beyond their academic years, Matthew proudly serves as the senior director at High Road Schools of Hartford. In his role, he is committed to cultivating a supportive environment where growth and learning flourish, driving educational success, and personal development for all students.

  • Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in Spanish and studio art, as well as a master’s degree in social work from Southern Connecticut State University. She began her journey with High Road as a school social worker at Hartford Primary and Middle School, where she supported students’ social-emotional development and worked closely with both students and their families.

    She now serves as the operations manager at High Road High School, remaining dedicated to promoting student well-being and academic success. In this role, she collaborates with staff to ensure students receive the individualized support they need to thrive. Karen takes pride in being actively present on the floor—managing behaviors, supporting staff, and fostering a positive school culture.

    Her ongoing goal is to provide each student with a safe, structured, and encouraging environment tailored to their unique needs, helping them achieve their full potential.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • They really care for my son and his special needs. They work with me and include me every step of the way.

    Layna C.

Events & Stories

  • Special Education Students Attend Masquerade-Themed Prom

    Watch on NBC Event Photos View Event Photos
    June 1, 2023
  • International Day

    In March, High Road School of Harford County invited families of students to our Annual International Day. Each classroom within…
    March 18, 2022
  • Read and Tell with Mrs. Mel

    “Read and Tell with Mrs. Mel” is a unique book club program started by Mrs. Mel and Mrs. Ashley to…
    March 14, 2022

Resources

  • Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford

    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS

    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month

    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • If you work at a school district and want to learn more about our school and the referral process, the next step is to contact us directly. We’ll provide detailed information about our programs, answer your questions, and set-up a time for you to come tour our program.

  • We individualize the learning experience by creating a tailored plan for each student based on their unique strengths, needs, and goals. This includes personalized instruction, behavioral support, and regular progress monitoring to ensure growth academically, socially, and emotionally. By collaborating closely with families and school districts, we provide a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

  • You can schedule a tour by calling our office or filling out the contact form on our website. Our team will work with you to find a convenient time for your visit.

  • We take a holistic approach to education, integrating academic instruction with behavioral support. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and our experienced staff uses evidence-based strategies and high-leverage practices to help students build confidence, self-regulation skills, and positive relationships.

Contact High Road School of Hartford: High School