Sierra School of Gilbert
Sierra School of Gilbert is a state-approved provider of private special education day programming and related services, having served public school systems and charters across Arizona since 1995. These programs have demonstrated consistent success in providing specialized education and therapeutic services to students across the disability spectrum. Our commitment is to the children and families we serve. We are special education experts who deliver quality results and improve outcomes. At Sierra School, we are never satisfied with the status quo; we are constantly encouraging innovation across systems. This is how we create successful results.
“Junior has made great progress with his independence since enrolling at Sierra Gilbert. He is happy and we have seen a huge improvement in his communication skills. He is far more expressive and interactive at home now. At Sierra Gilbert, my son is safe and well cared for. He is challenged academically and they know how to support his behavioral needs. The team at Sierra shares insight on ways that we can work with him at home.” – Joe, Junior’s father
Our Students
Sierra School of Gilbert accepts students who are referred by their school district, and those who are eligible for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
Our students face disabilities in a variety of areas, including Autism, Emotional Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities (Mild-Moderate-Severe), Multiple Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Speech-Language Impairments, and Other Health Impairments.
Whether we serve students in our school or theirs, our primary goal is to ensure that the special services continuum is complete and capable of effectively educating all of the students who walk through the doors. We take a disciplined approach to analyzing and predicting special education enrollment and service needs based on national and local trends. We are passionate about ensuring each school’s program is the perfect size and fit for their student population and well aligned with State and Federal regulations for the provision of Special Education.
Our programs provide targeted academic and behavioral interventions for students of all abilities, for an education that is positive, challenging, and individualized.
Sierra School offers an educational setting with an unparalleled clinical focus. Each of our programs has ready access to clinical specialists, whose primary function is to provide cognitive-behavioral interventions and services which are highly integrated with, and supportive of, each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). We serve as a clinical training environment for student interns who are seeking their master’s degree in various disciplines, including counseling, social work, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral analysis.
We lead the coordination of services for all of the educational needs indicated in a student’s IEP. We maintain a staff and network of service providers representing all areas of support identified by multi-disciplinary teams.
In addition, we provide ongoing evaluation of students’ progress, which helps us determine whether additional supports and/or services are required for each student’s success. This process supports our pursuit of the ultimate goal — a student’s successful transition and re-integration into a district’s less restrictive learning environment.
Each student enrolled in the model has individualized behavior programming which is driven by Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA). We aim to identify the behaviors that continue to disrupt our student’s ability to access their environment and learning. We then use the data collected from the FBA and classroom data to device strategies that get to the root function of the students disrupted behaviors.
Adult Day Program
Specialized Education of Arizona’s Sierra Day Program is our Day Treatment for Adults Program (DTA) – an Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD/DES) approved program for individuals age 18 and over with developmental disabilities. The facility-based program focuses on recreational and leisure activities with an emphasis on community integration. Each Member’s personalized goals are individually designed and targeted in a safe and engaging environment. Our dedicated staff provide coaching to Members to expand their repertoire of essential skills in areas like community knowledge, social awareness, personal organization, basic communication and leisure skills. Each member is encouraged to participate to their full potential in a supportive space that embraces community integration, friendship, and embraces neurodiversity. Sierra Day Program is an option for current students who are exiting school services and seeking an adult program with approval from DDD. Students will benefit from the continuity of our mission and vision, structured programming, and our dedicated and supportive staff. Members from the broader community are also invited to learn more about our program. View a sample of the daily schedule for Sierra Day Program.
Take a Virtual Tour of Sierra Day Program!
Day Treatment and Training (DTT)
Specialized Education of Arizona’s Day Treatment and Training – Children (DTT) will offer After-School and Summer Programming options for eligible Members who are between the ages of 8 and 17 years old. This rehabilitation service supplements educational programming and focuses on goals which have been identified as part of their Individual Service Plan.
We utilize interest inventories, observational assessments, and questionnaires to develop individualized Transition Plans. Our collaborative team approach assists students in developing the skills needed to maximize their independence. Community-based instruction occurs at all levels to promote the generalization of academic, social, behavioral, and vocational skills?
At Sierra School, routine outings may include structured and relevant weekly activities in the community and/or job site training for older students through partnerships with local businesses. These outings afford students the opportunity to learn valuable safety skills, to navigate public transportation, and is a natural environment for them to reinforce their social, emotional, and communication skills. On-campus vocational opportunities may include participation in our student-run lunch service, the Coffee Cove, and the Gardening Club. On-site or in the community, students are afforded the opportunity to foster their levels of independence, self-esteem, and self-advocacy.
“Sierra Gilbert is a wonderful school. I would highly recommend Sierra schools to friends and families with a child with a disability who has been struggling in public schools.”
– Sierra Gilbert Parent
“The care and quality my child receives at Sierra School of Gilbert is wonderful! The progress he has made is absolutely amazing! I can’t thank every single person there enough!”
– Sierra Gilbert Parent
“I can trust the staff with the care of my son and know the entire team is trained on my child’s most elevated needs and can support him through it.”
– Sierra Gilbert Parent
