Sierra School expertly provides that attention in the form of custom-designed academic programs tailored to their aptitudes and goals, a structured behavioral management system that motivates students to behave responsibly and respectfully toward themselves and others, and a caring, nurturing environment in which these students can strengthen academic abilities, develop social skills, and cultivate proper behaviors.

Our primary goal is to expedite the transition of students back to the public school system and into mainstream society, so we focus our efforts on building competence and confidence in each of them, as well as preparing them for fruitful and fulfilling futures through vocational training and life skills instruction.

Many components contribute to the remarkable results we’ve been able to achieve since opening our doors years ago, but we’re most proud of our effective comprehensive programs, our team approach to special education, the value we place on encouraging family involvement, and most of all, our tireless commitment to making sure that each child entrusted to our care is given every opportunity possible to reap the rewards of personal success—in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

Our program is known for working with students that many other Sonoma County Non-Public Schools will not accept. Our individualized academic model and willingness to allow experiences of specific interests helps us to reach a challenging behavioral demographic.

By focusing on key areas — academics, behavior modifications, support services, and transition / life planning services — we are able to meet the individual needs of all students through these varied approaches to instruction. Through collaboration with a student’s IEP team, we are able to choose the most appropriate learning model based on a given student’s present levels of performance, social capabilities, motor coordination, and ability to learn in a group setting.

School-wide Student Learning Outcomes

Sierra’s goal is to build the confidence and competence of children facing learning, language, and social challenges through personalized academic interventions. Sierra is committed to achieving success with each student even in the face of obstacles, challenges, and excuses. The program is geared toward preparing youth to become responsible adults who are able to participate in their communities and lead self-fulfilling lives. We aim to build each student’s skills and self-esteem to a level that allows them to return to a mainstream school and become fully functioning members of society. In order to achieve this, Sierra has developed the following expected school-wide learning results. Sierra students will be

Healthy individuals who:

• Effectively maintain appropriate peer relationships
• Take responsibility for their own physical and emotional heath
• Demonstrate healthy life choices

Technologically literate individuals who:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various computer programs
• Utilize a variety of current technology tools
• Demonstrate awareness of assistive devices that will allow them to better access academic curriculums

Independent individuals who:

• Develop strategies to set specific and attainable goals
• Set priorities and manage time effectively
• Develop a plan for the future
• Develop their ability to have acceptable work habits

Academically competent individuals who:

• Read, write, and speak effectively
• Practice learned strategies to effectively problem solve
• Complete assignments, display organizational skills, and practice study skills
• Access and apply learned information and utilize notes on assigned curriculums

We have a full-time Transition Coordinator who meets weekly with each student age 14+ to assess career interests/job skills and help to find gainful employment. Our school is also a recipient of the California Workability Grant, which allows us to establish paid internships with local businesses that are of particular interest to students.

Our students have gained internships through the Workability Grant with Rad Rods (vintage car repair and maintenance), Gemini Landscaping and Dollar Tree. The transition program has also helped students obtain paid positions in local restaurants such as Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Mary’s Pizza.