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Sierra School of Tucson

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, Sierra School of Tucson 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 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Grades
K-12

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Sierra School of Tucson 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, motor lab, occupational therapy, sensory rooms, and social work services tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Sierra School of Tucson 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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

    Events & Stories

    • Specialized Education Services, Inc. Opens School in Tucson, Expanding Support for Arizona Students with Special Needs

      Sierra School of Tucson is now enrolling for 2025-26 school year PHILADELPHIA, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Specialized Education Services,…
      July 21, 2025
    • 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

    Resources

    • 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!…
    • Donuts, Diplomas, and Determination: Celebrating Summer Graduates

      Summer School Becomes a Second Chance for Excel Students For a group of students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia, this…
    • Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco

      Celebrating an Incredible Educator: Mary Rico Named 2025 Teacher of the Year We’re thrilled to congratulate Mary Rico, an extraordinary…

    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 Tucson