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Sierra School of South Mountain

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, Sierra School of South Mountain 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.

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School Info

Address

5806 South 35th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85041

Hours
Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grades
K-12

Phone
1-602-671-6272

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  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Sierra School of South Mountain 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, Sierra 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 Sierra School student.

Related services offered at this school include counseling services, speech-language therapy, motor labs, occupational therapy, and physical therapy tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Sierra School of South Mountain Apart

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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.

  • Optimized Learning Environments​

    Optimized Learning Environments​

    Our special education classrooms are strategically designed to allow students to focus on building critical life and communication skills, while our grade-level classrooms help alternative education students make up lost ground and prepare for a transition back to district classrooms, and ultimately graduation.

  • Successful Transitions

    Successful Transitions

    Whether students are transitioning to a less restrictive environment, progressing toward graduation, or earning a certificate of completion, we help ensure they receive the individualized guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

  • 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.

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  • Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from Grand Canyon University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in education with a focus on learning and organizational change, with expected completion in 2028.

    She began her career in education in 2018 as a middle school math and social studies teacher for grades 7 and 8. In 2022, she joined SESI as an assistant principal and was promoted to director in 2023.

    Jessica is passionate about creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments and supporting staff in their professional growth. With a focus on building strong school culture and improving outcomes for all students, she is dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative educational community. Jessica is honored to serve as director of Sierra Schools of South Mountain, where she continues to support students, families, and staff in achieving success.

  • Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Arizona State University and is dual certified in elementary education (K-8) and special education (K-12). With nearly 15 years of experience in a variety of educational settings, Angela has passionately taught cross-categorical classes, led social-emotional behavior programs, and delivered autism-specific initiatives.

    In recent years, Angela has focused on transition planning for students beyond high school by developing work programs and designing career planning curricula. Prior to joining SESI, she served as director of a pioneering DDD adult day program that enhanced vocational skills and promoted group-supported employment.

    Angela currently serves as the associate director at Sierra Schools of South Mountain. She is also pursuing her MBA at West Texas A&M University to further advance her leadership and administrative expertise.

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.

  • Communication with partner districts is excellent.

    The school 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. The school consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals.

    Andrew M. | Vice Principal
View All SESI Testimonials

Enroll Your Child Through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

We are proud to accept the ESA Universal Scholarship as a means of making quality education accessible to all. Contact us today for more information and support with ESA scholarships.

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The ESA Universal Scholarship is a program designed to assist families with children who have special needs, such as autism, in securing funding for their education. This scholarship provides financial support, empowering families to choose an educational environment that best meets their child’s unique needs.

Inclusive Education: Our school is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for children with autism.

Quality Education: The scholarship covers tuition costs, ensuring that your child receives the best education tailored to their needs.

Therapeutic Programs: Beyond academics, we offer therapeutic programs that enhance social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Events & Stories

  • School Events and Stories

    Teacher Appreciation Week
    At Sierra Schools of Central Phoenix, our teachers and staff are more than educators; they are the heart of our school and…
    May 1, 2025
  • School Events and Stories

    Collaborating with Educators to Maximize School Success
    At Sierra Schools of Central Arizona and our network of schools under Specialized Education Services, Inc., we believe that student success is…
    March 28, 2025
  • Student Spotlight

    How Sierra School of South Mountain Helped Charles Find His Voice
    Sierra School of South Mountain Autism Support: A Life-Changing Journey for Charles When So’Toya Boyd’s son, Charles, was diagnosed with…
    March 4, 2025

Resources

  • News

    Are Pandemic Kindergartners Still Behind? What Parents and Educators Should Know.
    When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted classrooms in 2020, many children began their educational journey online, earning the nickname “pandemic kindergartners.”…
  • Articles
    School Events and Stories

    Students explore careers and build skills through One Summer Chicago
    Students Gain Career Skills Through One Summer Chicago This summer, students from Excel Academies of Chicago, with campuses in Roseland,…
  • Articles
    School Events and Stories

    20 Days of Fun and Learning ESY 2025
    Highlights from Our Extended School Year (ESY) The Extended School Year (ESY) was packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable fun!…

FAQ’s

  • SESI schools serve students with a wide range of special education needs, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. We support students who need a more structured, individualized educational environment to succeed. Our schools are designed to help K–12 students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) reach their academic, social, and emotional goals through personalized instruction, positive behavior supports, and a safe, supportive setting.

  • Parents can expect a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where their child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. SESI schools partner closely with families and school districts to provide customized academic instruction, behavior support, and related services. Regular communication, goal setting, and progress monitoring ensure that families stay informed and engaged in their child’s success.

  • 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.

Contact Sierra School of South Mountain