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Sierra School of Alhambra

Designed to nurture your student’s academic, social, and behavioral growth, Sierra School of Alhambra 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 4:00 p.m.

Grades
K-12

  • School Calendar

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Sierra School of Alhambra 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 BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), counseling services, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and transportation services tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Sierra School of Alhambra 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.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

  • 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.

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.

  • Stephanie Helguera

    Stephanie is a dedicated education leader with an exceptional 23-year journey, starting with Leeway School and now at the Sierra School of Alhambra. Her passion for fostering inclusive and impactful learning environments has shaped her diverse roles within SESI.

    With five years of experience as an aide and driver for elementary and high school programs, Stephanie’s hands-on engagement laid the foundation for her commitment to student success. For the following 13 years, she was pivotal as the transition coordinator, ensuring that each student’s academic path was tailored to their needs and aspirations.

    As the associate director for five years, she utilized her expertise to enhance the school’s mission of holistic education, and in 2022, she was named director. Stephanie has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, empowering her to effectively guide educators and parents. Her dynamic leadership, built on years of experience, has allowed her to create an environment where every student’s unique potential is nurtured.

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.

  • It’s a life-changing experience for both my family and my son ever since he started going to Sierra School of Alhambra. I will highly recommend anybody’s child with special needs with all staff who is highly qualified that helps our kids with their necessities. There’s not one day that I do not think of you guys for the special care and highly skills that you guys provide for our kids. Thank you guys.

    Freddy M.

Events & Stories

  • Honoring Family and Tradition: Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

    At the Sierra School of Alhambra, Día de los Muertos (translates to “Day of the Dead”) has become a cherished…
    November 26, 2024
  • Sierra School of Alhambra’s Pajama Day Breakfast

    Sierra School of Alhambra recently had a pajama day breakfast! Check out all the amazing pictures: Learn more about our…
    December 12, 2023
  • Sierra School of Alhambra Play Ball!

    Sierra School of Alhambra students recently traded their classrooms for a baseball field. A school-wide baseball game brought together students…
    June 14, 2023

Resources

  • Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford

    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS

    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month

    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • If you work at a school district and want to learn more about our school and the referral process, the next step is to contact us directly. We’ll provide detailed information about our programs, answer your questions, and set-up a time for you to come tour our program.

  • We individualize the learning experience by creating a tailored plan for each student based on their unique strengths, needs, and goals. This includes personalized instruction, behavioral support, and regular progress monitoring to ensure growth academically, socially, and emotionally. By collaborating closely with families and school districts, we provide a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

  • 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.

  • You can schedule a tour by calling our office or filling out the contact form on our website. Our team will work with you to find a convenient time for your visit.

  • We take a holistic approach to education, integrating academic instruction with behavioral support. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and our experienced staff uses evidence-based strategies and high-leverage practices to help students build confidence, self-regulation skills, and positive relationships.

Contact Sierra School of Alhambra