Bringing Out the Potential in Every Student

Every child holds incredible potential—and we’re here to help uncover it. SESI provides highly individualized support that goes beyond what traditional classrooms can offer, helping students with unique needs make meaningful progress in academics, behavior, and life skills. You can trust that we’ll meet your child where they are and support where they’re going.

Trusted by Thousands of Families Nationwide Each Year

Extensive reach. Personalized care. We meet students where they are, wherever they are.

In-District Classrooms 
Private Day Schools
Students Served Annually
School District Partners

The SESI School Family

Every student’s learning journey is different, and we’re here to support yours—every step of the way. Our Special Education and Alternative Education services are built around your child’s unique academic, behavioral, and emotional needs, delivered in safe, structured environments where students feel confident and capable. Whether you’re new to SESI or have been with us for years, you’re part of a school community grounded in progress, partnership, and possibility. We take the time to understand your child, build strong routines, and work closely with you to help them succeed—in school and beyond.

Trusted, Caring Team

Very kind, supportive staff. I know my child is in great hands while at school. Confident that each need, behavioral, emotional, and academic, is being worked on in a patient, supportive environment. Seeing how much my child loves going to school and never wants to miss shows me what a wonderful school he is attending. We appreciate it so very much!

Jennifer K., Parent 

Our Learning Pathways and Programs

Personalized Special Education That Meets Every Student’s Needs

Every child deserves a learning experience tailored to their needs. SESI provides specialized programs aligned to academic, behavioral, and functional goals—whether students need therapeutic support, life skills, or a path to graduation.
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, or instability—often cycling through alternative placements or not receiving FAPE
  • Students with leadership potential who need behavioral interventions and therapeutic support to succeed

How We Support These Students:

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

Instruction and Life Skills

​Students We Serve: Students with developmental disabilities or communication needs preparing for adult life:
  • Learners with autism, learning disabilities, or delays in speech and social development
  • Students who benefit from structured routines, repetition, and hands-on instruction

How We Support These Students:

  • Small-group instruction focused on functional academics and real-life application
  • Integrated support for speech, communication, and social interaction
  • Job readiness and daily living skill-building, with active family involvement in transitions

Functional Communication and Daily Living

​Students We Serve: Students with significant cognitive or physical disabilities who require close, individualized care:
  • Learners who are nonverbal or minimally verbal and need consistent communication tools
  • Students who benefit from sensory supports, predictable routines, and daily living skill practice

How We Support These Students:

  • Personalized routines using visual schedules and adaptive communication methods
  • Direct instruction in toileting, dressing, and group participation
  • Sensory-friendly environments with strong home-school collaboration for long-term success

Alternative Education That Reengages and Restores Progress

Our programs re-engage students through academic recovery, behavior support, and a structured environment. We help learners build the skills they need for graduation, reintegration, and life beyond school.

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

Voices from the SESI Family

Families

A School Her Son Loves to Attend 


Genice shares how High Road School of Connecticut has made a real difference for her son—helping him feel calm, confident, and excited to go to school every day.
“He loves it here,” she says. “He doesn’t want to miss a day.”
Students

Drew’s Story: Discovering What’s Possible


Before coming to SESI, Drew struggled to stay engaged in school. But with the right support, a compassionate learning environment, and a team that believed in his potential, Drew began to see what he was capable of.
team members
STAFF

Empathy Meets Expertise: Meet Nikalas


At High Road Schools of Hartford, Nikalas brings heart, humor, and high-impact support to every classroom. As a SESI 2025 Staff of the Year, he helps students build confidence, reduce challenges, and thrive—one relationship at a time.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision—and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about our programs and learning pathways, talk with a team member, or schedule a visit, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.