Customized Programming. Exceptional Outcomes.

SESI partners with public school districts to design and manage Special Education and Alternative Education services within district settings. Through a collaborative, fully managed model, we help districts strengthen their continuum of services, reduce costly out-of-district placements, and improve outcomes across academic, behavioral, and emotional domains.

Our mission is to ensure all students receive the support they need to reach their full potential—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. As a trusted partner to districts across the country, SESI delivers proven in-district and out-of-district solutions at scale:

students served annually
school district partners
in-district classrooms 
private day schools

Flexible District Partnerships

Efficient, fully managed solutions to meet student needs—within your district or through a local placement.

In-District Classrooms

SESI designs and staffs custom, in-district programs that allow students to remain in their school communities while receiving the intensive support they need.

We provide the staffing, programming, and day-to-day management. You provide the space. Together, we expand your continuum of services, reduce out-of-district placements, and improve student outcomes.

Private Day Schools

For students whose needs cannot be met in a district setting, SESI operates more than 100 private day schools that offer highly structured, therapeutic environments.

Districts can refer students directly, and we coordinate closely with school teams and families to ensure continuity of services, compliance with IEPs, and support through transitions.

 

Expanding District Capacity 

Our services extend what districts can provide, supporting students who require more intensive, individualized instruction and behavioral support—without sacrificing continuity or compliance.

Serving Unique Student Needs

  • Students with combined academic, behavioral, and emotional needs—including trauma, anxiety, or self-regulation challenges
  • Learners with autism, communication delays, or multiple disabilities needing intensive, sensory-informed instruction
  • Youth disengaged from school due to behavior escalation or credit gaps
  • Nonverbal or minimally verbal students who thrive in structured, low-stimulation settings

How SESI Bridges the Gaps 

  • Tiered, evidence-based models embedded in school and district settings—flexible, scalable, and student-centered
  • Small classes, high staff-to-student ratios, and integrated PBIS and Support. Prevent. Connect. frameworks
  • Wraparound services: counseling, life skills, OT, PT, speech, and vocational training
  • Transition-focused models for reentry, post-secondary planning, and lifelong success

Customized Special Education Pathways for Your Students

Meet every learner where they are

SESI offers individualized programs that align with each student’s academic, behavioral, and functional goals. Whether they need life skills, therapeutic support, or a path to graduation, we build the right environment with your district.
Academic and Behavior Support
Students We Serve: Students whose behavioral and emotional needs prevent them from accessing learning in traditional settings:
  • Learners affected by trauma, school avoidance, aggression, often cycling through alternative placements, or not receiving FAPE
  • Students who demonstrate leadership potential but require behavioral interventions and therapeutic support to succeed

How We Support These Students:

  • Trauma-informed classrooms that integrate core academics, restorative practices, and daily behavioral coaching
  • Small class sizes with high staff-to-student ratios, and individualized support plans
  • Reintegration pathways aligned with district and families to support sustainable progress

Instruction and Life Skills

Students We Serve: Students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, autism, and communication delays:
  • Learners who are verbal and independent but need structured support for real-world readiness
  • Students underserved in traditional settings due to limited functional instruction, job training, or transition planning

How We Support These Students:

  • Individualized academic programs focused on daily living, functional literacy, and numeracy
  • Speech-language and social communication interventions embedded in classroom routines
  • Collaboration with families and districts on transition plans that lead to post-secondary training, employment, or adult services

Functional Communication and Daily Living

Students We Serve: Students with significant cognitive and/or physical impairments who are nonverbal or minimally verbal:
  • Learners requiring intensive supervision, sensory supports, and 1:1 or 2:1 staffing to manage transitions and care routines
  • Students districts cannot serve due to high safety, communication, or behavioral support needs

How We Support These Students:

  • Highly structured classrooms with individualized visual schedules, PECS, AAC devices, and sensory zones
  • Functional communication training and life-skills development tailored to each learner’s needs
  • Long-term planning that prepares students for adult programming, residential care, or supported employment

Alternative Education Programs to Reengage and Support Students

Helping every student find their way back to success

SESI offers tailored programs for students who need academic recovery, behavioral support, or a structured path to reconnect with school. We partner with districts to create environments where all learners can thrive.

Elementary Therapeutic and Behavior Support

Students We Serve: Elementary students in grades K–5 with emerging behavioral challenges that impact classroom participation and learning.

  • Students frequently removed from class
  • Learners struggling to meet behavioral expectations

How We Support These Students:

  • High staff-to-student ratios and structured routines
  • Consistent positive behavior reinforcement
  • Counseling and skill-building opportunities
  • Ongoing communication with districts and families

Re-engagement and Rebuilding

Students We Serve: Students in grades 6–12 returning from suspension, juvenile justice placements, or extended absences who need structured support to reenter school successfully.
  • Students with interrupted education
  • Learners transitioning from out-of-district placements

How We Support These Students:

  • Aligned academics with district pacing
  • Targeted behavior and emotional support
  • Transition planning with families and districts
  • Positive school engagement reinforcement

Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

Students We Serve: Students in grades 6–12 who are over-age and under-credited, and need targeted academic recovery to stay on track for graduation.
  • Students significantly behind in credits
  • Learners at risk of not graduating with their peers

How We Support These Students:

  • Individualized graduation plans
  • Credit recovery and standards-based instruction
  • Small group academic support
  • Career and post-secondary readiness activities
Driving Meaningful Student Growth

My child is now not only thriving but spending more time in a typical classroom. His confidence is radiating. This program changed our lives.

Ashley N., Parent

The SESI Student Profile

Whether in Special Education or Alternative Education, SESI supports students who require individualized environments that address academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. Our learning pathways are built to ensure each student receives the right instruction, at the right time, in the right way—so they can make meaningful progress toward reintegration, graduation, or long-term independence.

SESI is flexible & fits in your continuum of educational services​

Positioned strategically within your district’s continuum of services, SESI offers IDCs and Private Day Schools, to meet student needs in the local community and keep them on the path to the least restrictive environment.

Coaching & Professional Development
Building Staff Capacity Alongside Student Success 

SESI’s support goes beyond students—we partner with districts to grow educator capacity through dynamic workshops, institutes, and real-time coaching. Educators learn in the moment, apply strategies immediately, and build confidence in supporting diverse learners—leading to improved student outcomes and teacher retention.

Hands-on coaching and job-embedded support 
Evidence-based PD tailored to general and special educators 
Inclusive instruction, MTSS/ PBIS strategies, and differentiated classroom practices
Collaborative goal-setting aligned to district priorities
Communication with the team is excellent.

Parents see a difference in their child’s attitude and behavior toward school.

Julie A., Director of Special Education

Why Districts Choose SESI

A Trusted, Proven Partner in Student Success  

Delivering on Every Measure That Matters

“High Road School in Belvidere, IL exemplifies strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. The administration fosters a supportive and dynamic environment, ensuring that students and staff are well supported. Their communication with partner districts is excellent, promoting effective collaboration and ensuring that every student’s needs are met. The school’s IEP writing process is thorough, with clear and actionable feedback that directly contributes to student growth. High Road consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals. The school’s high expectations and personalized approach help students thrive and prepare for success both academically and in life.”

Andrew M., District Partner

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.