Sierra Schools of Central Arizona

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, Sierra Schools of Central Arizona provide 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.

Why Sierra Schools of Central Arizona?

Sierra School of Central Arizona supports students with academic, emotional, and behavioral needs through individualized learning in small, nurturing classrooms. Our staff uses tailored instruction and IEPs to help students thrive at school, home, and in the community.
We implement SESI’s Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to address each student’s needs, remove learning barriers, and foster growth beyond the classroom.
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.

Enroll Today

Explore Our Sierra Schools

Sierra School of Gateway

Address
8048 East Germann Road Building 1
Mesa, AZ 85212
Explore Gateway

Sierra School of South Mountain

Address
5806 South 35th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85041
Explore South Mountain

Sierra School of Scottsdale

Address
9128 East San Salvador Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85258opens
Explore Scottsdale

Sierra School of Peoria

Address
8155 West Thunderbird Road 101a
Peoria, AZ 85381
Explore Peoria

Sierra School of Gilbert

Address
875 South Cooper Road
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Explore Gilbert

Personalized Learning That Meets Every Student’s Needs

We believe every child deserves a learning experience that meets them where they are. That’s why SESI offers specialized programs and learning pathways aligned to each learner’s academic, behavioral, and functional goals. Whether it’s therapeutic support, life skills, or a path to graduation, our caring teams create the right environment for growth.

Spark Learning Pathway

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

Spring Learning Pathway

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

Bloom Learning Pathway

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

Enroll Your Child Through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

Contact Us

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.

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.

Discover how we can support your child.

To learn more about our program, schedule a tour, or request enrollment materials – please complete the form and a member of our team will contact you shortly. Thank you for considering Sierra Schools!

FAQs

Contact the campus closest to you and schedule a tour. The director and administrative support staff can assist with the enrollment process.

We usually begin the school year during the first or second week of August. We will have a parent night the where you and your child will be able to come and meet your teacher and talk about all the wonderful things that are planned for the up-coming year.

With the population of our schools and the heightened interest of families wanting to attend Sierra Schools it is extremely difficult deciding who we will accept and in what order. The only fair and reasonable way to determine this is to create a waiting list that follows the rules of first come first serve. If you do not complete your packet on time and reserve a seat we cannot guarantee a spot for your child for the next school year.

There are several funding sources available. Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), School Tuition Organization (STO), and private pay options are available. If you are interested in one of these options please reach out and we can assist with applying and obtaining these scholarships.

There are several funding sources available. Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), School Tuition Organization (STO), and private pay options are available. If you are interested in one of these options please reach out and we can assist with applying and obtaining these scholarships.

Lexington has cameras at most of its campuses and in most of its classrooms. Administration and teachers use these cameras to help students grow and be independent. We can look back at the cameras and create many learning opportunities as well as monitor potential behaviors identifying antecedent behavior from macro-perspective.

Sierra Schools conduct IEP meetings and writes comprehensive IEP’s that really detail the student’s present levels. Our school are highly individualized and you will find that our IEP’s and the processes we use to determine students present levels and goal creation is far superior to what a district can evaluate and offer, as our specialization is working with students on the spectrum and we do not have to focus on every diagnosed disability area, we only focus on one, autism.

In order to attend Sierra Schools through ESA funding, your child must be enrolled in an Arizona public school or public charter school for 100 days the previous school year starting the first day of school in August. They must have an Arizona IEP as well. There are some exceptions for the 100 day rule, and these would include activity duty military families who have been transferred to Arizona. This would also include pre-school and kindergarteners.