Students with autism get experience working on a farm
Lexington Life Academy Students are getting a new opportunity and all they have to do is roll up their sleeves. FOX 10's Dominique Newland explains the new program during [...]
Graham Academy celebrates Autism Awareness Month
April marks Autism Awareness Month, and The Graham Academy is recognizing it with purpose, celebration, and a renewed commitment to supporting students [...]
Empowering Students Through Horseback Riding Therapy
Students at High Road School of the Quad Cities are gaining confidence, independence, and real-world skills through a unique partnership with New Kingdom Trailriders. Through weekly one-hour therapeutic horseback [...]
High Road School of Delaware – Transition Olympics
Students at the High Road Schools of Delaware put their skills to the test in an exciting and interactive event... the Transition Olympics! Held in Wilmington, this event gave special [...]
Students at High Road School Celebrate Read Across America Week with Therapy Dogs
In a heartwarming celebration of Read Across America Week, students at High Road School in Hartford had the unique opportunity to read to a therapy dog. The K-8 school, which [...]
Therapy Dogs Bring Smiles to High Road School of Hoffman Estates
High Road School of Hoffman Estates recently got a special visit from some furry friends, and ABC 7 was there to capture the heartwarming moment! As part of an [...]
Mayor Cervoni Visits Special Needs School In Wallingford
Wallingford Mayor Vincent Cervoni visited the school as part of the Read Across America festivities. WALLINGFORD, CT — Wallingford Mayor Vincent Cervoni visited the BEST Academy of Wallingford [...]
FullBloom Acquires CharacterStrong, Leading Provider of School-Based Mental Health Solutions for Students
CharacterStrong’s research-driven curriculum, resources and training strengthens FullBloom’s ability to further integrate academic, behavioral and mental health programming to support whole child development PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 25, 2025—FullBloom, the nation’s [...]
Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer Hudson Show
We’re beyond proud of Stanley Alston, Team Lead, and Tiffany Davis, Teacher, for representing Achieve Academy East on The Jennifer [...]
NewHope Academy was featured in the January issue of Executive Function
We are proud to announce that the expertise and dedication of current and former NewHope Academy staff in supporting twice-exceptional students has been nationally recognized. Their [...]
High Road School of Belvidere Educator Named Teacher of the Week
High Road School's Saundra Hill was recently celebrated as local radio station 97ZOK’s Teacher of the Week. Administrative Assistant Rachel Lenick nominated Hill for going above [...]
This season, finding my gratitude in art and teaching
Educators guide and support students, but also learn from their curiosity, problem-solving skills, and unique ways of thinking Key points: Teaching isn’t a one-way street–students have their own lessons [...]
Mary DiCarlo: How Our Family Navigates Life With A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Families with children on the Autism Spectrum face unique challenges and experiences. Each family’s journey is different, filled with both struggles and triumphs. We want to share their stories, [...]
The Graham Academy Expands Its Northeast Pennsylvania Footprint With Opening of New Location in Mayfield
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive [...]
School of the Week: Excel Academy Central prepares students for high achievement
After the student population at Excel Academy South reached 400 students last year, a plan was developed to downsize the school. The result was opening another school in a [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Grows Educational Offerings in Arizona with Acquisition of Two Lexington Life Academy Locations
SESI broadens mission of supporting more students through specialized education and therapeutic services PPHILADELPHIA, June 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Unveils 2024 Staff and Teacher of the Year Winners
Third annual awards program recognizes team members’ commitment to special and alternative education students PHILADELPHIA, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, [...]
Quenice Davis: From college basketball star to Sacramento school admin
Quenice Davis is a former San Diego State standout basketball player. Now, she's impacting lives as an administrator at Sierra School of Sacramento SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When it comes [...]
Graham Academy Students Honored in Wilkes-Barre
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — April is World Autism Awareness Month. To celebrate the City of Wilkes-Barre honored five students from the Graham Academy. Students and their loved ones visited [...]
Environmental groups, schools mobilize for Earth Day across Far South Side
After her brother died of asthma in 2009, Jermica Davis said she felt pulled to environmental justice work. This year, she spent her Earth Day picking up trash around [...]
Life skills olympics help teach real world, practical crafts
Feeding off the positive energy, flashing of cameras and fast-paced competition, Mia Rooks helped her team bring home a trophy in the third annual life skills olympics. At the [...]
High Road athletes train for Special Olympics
High Road School students practiced their running and throwing in preparation for this weekend's Special Olympics track meet at Prospect High School. Under the direction of the school's Special [...]
Taking High Road — To Special Olympics
Local students with special needs prepared last Friday for the upcoming Region B Spring Games held by Special Olympics Illinois. The Spring Games will take place later in April [...]
Wilkes-Barre event with live bands aims to boost autism awareness
KINGSTON — Light It Up Blue, an annual autism-awareness event, has grown into a fun community celebration this year, featuring live bands, food trucks and vendors on Public Square [...]
Final Quarter feature: Quenice Davis teaches life lessons, and basketball
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Quenice Davis is never too far from a basketball court. She even gets to play at work, at Sierra School of Sacramento, where she is [...]
Multi-talented artist returns to alternative school in Elkton that changed his life
ELKTON, Md. — The guest of honor at an alternative school in Elkton is greeted by the staff like a long lost friend. “My name is Rakeem Miles. I [...]
High Road School students deliver holiday cheer to residents at local assisted living facility
PACE, Fla. (WKRG) — Students from the High Road School in Santa Rosa County took to the Victorian Manor assisted living facility in Pace to spread a little holiday [...]
Philly youth program teaches conflict resolution, violence prevention
Between our 90 standalone day schools and 90-plus In-District Classroom partnerships across 17 states, SESI serves nearly 8,000 special education students every year—many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Talk, not fists: Philadelphia students with discipline issues learn how to defuse conflict
Between our 90 standalone day schools and 90-plus In-District Classroom partnerships across 17 states, SESI serves nearly 8,000 special education students every year—many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A Veteran in the Classroom
Between our 90 standalone day schools and 90-plus In-District Classroom partnerships across 17 states, SESI serves nearly 8,000 special education students every year—many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
High Road School serving Marion County’s special needs children
High Road School is filling a need for families of special needs children (grades K-12) in Marion County, according to school officials.Located on the campus of Pleasant Local Schools, 1101 [...]
FullBloom Acquires EmpowerU, Deepening Its Commitment to Mental Health Services
Move enhances company mission of supporting students’ resilience and mental well-being to unlock learning potential and academic outcomes PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FullBloom, a leading provider [...]
Back-to-school events help CPS students prepare for upcoming school year
CHICAGO — Students at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are preparing to head back to class and a couple of events were held on Friday to help get kids ready. [...]
How I foster an inclusive classroom as a new teacher
Justin White, Special Education Teacher, High Road School of Delaware August 10, 2023 A military veteran who was drawn to teaching shares his experiences as a Black male educator [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Expands Footprint in California With Acquisition of Lattice Educational Services
PHILADELPHIA , July 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and behavioral supports, today announced [...]
Mount Prospect school helps break down barriers for students with special needs
People with disabilities often face significant barriers to finding employment, both in learning applicable job skills and employers' awareness of their capabilities. That's where the High Road School of [...]
Special Education Students Attend Masquerade-Themed Prom
Watch on NBC Event Photos View Event Photos
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Unveils 2023 Staff and Teacher of the Year Winners
PHILADELPHIA, May 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational [...]
School of the Week: Excel Academy South helps students reach greatness
Excel Academy South is an accelerated school program that provides students who are behind on credits obtain their high school diploma. Located at 4641 Roosevelt Boulevard, Excel provides a [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Grows Educational Offerings in Illinois With Acquisition of NewHope Academy
May 11, 2023, Philadelphia, PA -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) today announced the acquisition of NewHope Academy (NHA), a special education school in Arlington Heights, Illinois, that serves those [...]
Sierra School of Alhambra empowers students to serve their community
As April comes to its close, so does National Autism Awareness Month for the students and teachers at Sierra School of Alhambra. Here, young people of all learning abilities are encouraged [...]
Educators discuss the education needs of autistic students
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Yesterday we heard about what makes people with autism unique, today we learn what it takes to help children with autism learn at school. Bethany Ulrick [...]
Transition Olympics
High Road Schools in Maryland and Delaware participated in the 2nd annual Transition Olympics, a fantastic event that encourages student engagement in the Transition & Life Skills program through [...]
The Transition Olympics Test “Life Skills”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzHNwnzvnpM&t=2s
Ready, set, adult: Students compete in Delaware school’s ‘life skills’ Olympics
Sometimes it's hard to know if you're ready for something until you just do it. Take "adulting" for instance. To prepare for the inevitable, young people go to schools [...]
Experts provide insight into the autism spectrum as part of Autism Awareness Month
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - April is Autism Awareness Month. Our Bethany Ulrick spoke to experts at High Road School of Lima to learn more about what makes individuals with autism unique. [...]
Sierra Schools of Arizona celebrate Autism Awareness night with the Phoenix Suns
April is World Autism Month and the Sierra Schools of Arizona are celebrating by taking local special needs kids to see the Phoenix Suns play. FOX 10’s Marissa Sarbak [...]
San Diego Moms: Tips for Teaching Inclusive Play During Autism Awareness Month
A few weeks ago, my son’s classmate taught him how to “play Spiderman.” The conversation began when the classmate told his mother that my son didn’t know how to [...]
Training for the Transitional Olympics
ELKTON — A team of students from High Road School of Cecil County will travel to Wilmington, Del. on March 30 to compete for awards in the Transitional Olympics. [...]
School social workers fill critical gaps in student care
On World Social Work Day, school and community leaders can recognize the essential role that social workers play in promoting student well-being By MICHELLE WILLIAMS, Licensed Clinical Social [...]
These Philly high school students almost didn’t earn diplomas. Here’s how they made it.
Quisean Suter-Robinson's graduation wasn't the one he initially dreamed of, but that's OK. “It feels better because I didn’t fold under pressure. The things along the way built my [...]
Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A special ceremony on Friday honored seven high school students from the Excel Academy of Englewood. They graduated from the emergency medical responders training program. The 56-hour [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Names Dawn Thomas President
Experienced operational leader will help guide the organization’s continued commitment to ensuring students with the greatest need receive a quality education PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - [...]
Open house held at High Road School of Lima
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A new building is going to change more than just where students come to learn. High Road School of Lima welcomed the public to their new [...]
Sierra School of Solano County Moves to Facility in Fairfield, California
New centrally located campus offers students additional WorkAbility opportunities FAIRFIELD, Calif., Sept. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students [...]
I’m a teacher, but I was also “that student”
A teacher’s background – as someone who struggled in school – deepens her connection with alternative education students By KARYN L. DRISCOLL, English 4 Teacher, Excel Academy South [...]
Chicago Public School students return for first day of school
Excel Academy of South Shore hosted Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez during their back-to-school press conference on Monday. Watch Video
Teacher Erin Juarez honored for ‘strong work ethic’
Buckeye special education teacher Erin Juarez was recognized by a national organization as the Southwest region’s teacher of the year. Philadelphia-based Special Education Services Inc. bestowed that honor upon [...]
Fitzpatrick Named Specialized Teacher of the Year
Jill Fitzpatrick, a lead special education teacher at High Road School in Caroline County (303 Sharp Road, Denton), was recently named a regional winner in Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Names Rachael Chatel 2022 Teacher Of The Year
High School Educator at High Road School of Hartford Takes Home Top Spot in Nationwide Program Honoring Outstanding and Innovative Teachers June 15, 2022 PHILADELPHIA – Specialized Education Services, [...]
‘An Incredible Honor’: Hartford Teacher Wins National Award
A Connecticut high school teacher is being recognized for her “outstanding and innovative” work in the classroom. High Road School of Hartford teacher Rachael Chatel was named as the [...]
Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Imagine the feeling of setting a goal you thought was unrealistic – only to achieve it despite huge odds. Dozens of grads at the Excel Academy schools [...]
High Road School of Sussex County teacher honored
GEORGETOWN — Dan Jones, a special-education teacher at High Road School of Sussex County, was recently named a regional winner in Specialized Education Services Inc.’s (SESI) Teacher of the [...]
‘My kids become a part of me,’ says award-winning Graham Academy teacher
KINGSTON — Brynn Kovalick speaks with disarmingly simple passion about the many roadblocks a teacher overcomes in helping children on the autism disorder spectrum. Disarming because, even as she extols [...]
Local special education teacher receives “Regional Teacher of the Year” award
47ABC – A local special education teacher, receiving a major honor for the work they do. Dan Jones, a special education teacher at High Road School in Delaware joined [...]
Graham Academy educator is regional Specialized Education Services Inc. teacher of the year
Brynn Kovalick, an autistic support/emotional support classroom elementary school teacher at The Graham Academy in Kingston, won the regional Specialized Education Services Inc. teacher of the year award. The [...]
Local Teacher Honored with Regional Teacher Of The Year Award
KINGSTON, LUZERNE CO, (WOLF) — Brynn Kovalick, a teacher at the Graham Academy in Kingston, has been named the regional winner in the Specialized Education Services Teacher of the Year [...]
Special Ed Teacher Receives Regional Top Teacher Honors
DENTON — Jill Fitzpatrick, a lead special education teacher at High Road School at Caroline County (303 Sharp Road, Denton), was recently named a regional winner in Specialized Education [...]
Middle school teacher, Aatiqah Ali, named divisional winner in Teacher of the Year Program
Aatiqah Ali, a teacher at Excel Middle Years Academy, was recently named a divisional winner in Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) Teacher of the Year Program. “My personal philosophy [...]
Graham Academy students honored for Light It Up Blue Day
WILKES-BARRE — In celebration of “Light It Up Blue Day” and World Autism Awareness Month in April, Graham Academy student Billy Norton had the opportunity to serve as the [...]
QC students make, sell key chains to raise money for Uganda playground
Students make a difference while they help other children far away. And there’s a business lesson in this as well. Students at High Road of the Quad Cities make [...]
High Road School of Peoria celebrates neuro diverse learners and the power of music
Children in the classroom learn in a variety of different ways. However, catering to each child's preferred or necessary learning style can be not only difficult, but sometimes impossible [...]
Community gardens help students blossom and grow. As a therapist, I’ve seen it firsthand.
The garden teaches students about nutrition, stewardship of the earth, collaboration of neighbors and more. Leiser is an occupational therapist at the Sierra School of San Diego, which focuses [...]
Excel Academy Englewood students inspired by women’s empowerment brunch: ‘The sky is the limit’
When the young women at Excel Academy Englewood encounter challenges in the future following their passion, they're going to remember the women's empowerment brunch at their school. "I learned [...]
4 Essential Components of Behavior Support in the Classroom
Diane Myers, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Special Education - Behavior, March 22, 2022 -- Expectations that are clearly established, and reinforced regularly will contribute to a consistent, positive experience [...]
Sierra School of San Joaquin Now Open and Enrolling K-12 Students
New Non-Public School Provides Needed Community Resource for Those with Behavioral and Social-Emotional Challenges SAN JOAQUIN, Calif. , Feb. 02, 2022 -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of [...]
Excel Middle Years Academy Helps Students get into High School of Their Dreams
Excel Middle Years Academy is an accelerated school of choice for middle school students who find themselves in need of a smaller school setting. Located at 4300 Westminster Avenue, [...]
SESI Behavior Expert Featured in K-12 Dive; Discusses Bringing Joy to the Classroom
K-12 Dive, a publication that gives insight into impactful news and trends shaping K-12 education, featured SESI's Diane Myers, SVP of Behavior in an article highlighting the importance of [...]
SESI Alumnus and Student Mentor Discusses Personal Journey in Chalkbeat Essay
Raynard Gillespie, an alumnus and program mentor at Excel Academy of Englewood in Chicago, wrote a personal essay featured in Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization reporting on education across [...]
SESI Behavior Expert Featured in K-12 Dive; Discusses Remote Learning
A major shift in learning occurred in 2020, when educators had to rethink the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of students with special needs. K-12 Dive, a publication that gives [...]
Rolling Out the Red Carpet at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale
FOX 10's Arizona Morning show and NBC's 12 News covered a spectacular prom held at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale last week. Lenora King, the school's program director, said "We're in [...]
High Road Schools Featured on Better Connecticut
Better Connecticut, a program on WFSB Channel 3, interviewed Gary Hunt, SESI’s Regional Vice President, New England about High Road Schools of Connecticut in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Specialized [...]
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Honors Graham Academy Students for World Autism Month
Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown and his staff were enthusiastic about increasing public awareness of people with autism - and providing students at The Graham Academy with a special day [...]
Special Education Teachers at Graham Academy Featured, Share Pandemic Experiences
Two special education teachers at Graham Academy were featured on FOX 56 WOLF. Both Olivia Caraballo and Amanda Beck graduated from Wilkes University last spring. Not only did they walk [...]
High Road School of Nashville Reopens, Featured on WKRN
High Road School of Nashville was featured on WKRN about the phased reopening schools in The Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) system. On a virtual learning model since Thanksgiving [...]
New Sierra School in San Bernandino Market Provides Needed Community Resource for Students with Special Needs
School Marks Eighth California SESI Location COLTON, Calif., Jan 04, 2021 — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and [...]
New Sierra School in San Bernandino Market Provides Needed Community Resource for Students with Special Needs
School Marks Eighth California SESI Location COLTON, Calif., Jan 04, 2021 — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and [...]
Special Education Services, Inc. Strengthens West Coast Team With Appointment of Dr. Grace Losada to Regional Vice President, California
Special Education Advocate and Leader Brings More Than 20 Years’ Experience to Company SAN DIEGO, Nov. 16, 2020 — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for [...]
Expanded Services With Adult Day Program
Focus on Purposeful Activities and Enhancing Daily Living Skills for Young Adults 18-26 Who Are Exiting School Services GILBERT, Ariz., Nov. 12, 2020 — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier [...]
Sierra Academy and Springall Academy Merge to Form Sierra School of San Diego
Move Provides More Opportunities to Educate and Care for Students with Special Needs SAN DIEGO, Oct. 27, 2020 — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of [...]
Return to school helps East Bridgewater students with disabilities succeed after remote learning
After months of remote learning due to the coronavirus pandemic, the High Road School of Massachusetts wanted to ensure a return to full in-person classes to best serve its [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) Expands Footprint in Illinois With Opening of the High Road School of Peoria
Second School in the State Furthers SESI’s Commitment to Success for Students with Exceptionalities PEORIA, Ill., Sept. 30, 2020 — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education [...]
FullBloom Announces the Appointment of Arne Duncan as Chairman of its Board of Directors
September 23, 2020, Camden, N.J. – FullBloom, a leading provider of special education, instructional intervention, behavioral health and professional development solutions, announced the appointment of former U.S. Secretary of Education [...]
Diane Myers of SESI: 5 Things That Should Be Done To Improve The US Educational System
As a part of their interview series about the things that should be done to improve the US educational system, Authority Magazine recently interviewed Diane Myers. Authority Magazine discussed [...]
What do students lose when they don’t go back to classrooms?
Deseret News included Dr. Diane Myers, SESI SVP of Special Education - Behavior Management, in an article about the loss students face when they do not attend physical schools. [...]
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Expands Footprint in Pennsylvania With Acquisition of The Graham Academy
August 19, 2020, Camden, N.J. – Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to [...]
Teacher Spotlight – Special Education Teacher Amy McDade
Amy McDade is proof that it is never too late to follow your true passion in life. After years spent working in the food service industry, she pivoted for [...]
High School Students With Behavioral and Learning Issues Overcome Challenging Landscape to Graduate in COVID-19 Era
July 30, 2020, Camden, N.J. – Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who face challenges that prevent them from being successful [...]
SESI Announces Free Webinar Exploring Behavior Support Best Practices for Engaging All Learners
CAMDEN, N.J., June 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who face challenges that prevent them from being successful [...]
Special Education Services, Inc. Strengthens Leadership Team With Addition of Diane Myers, Ph.D.
CAMDEN, N.J., June 02, 2020 -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who face challenges that prevent them from being successful in [...]
High Road School of Norwalk Renames to High Road School of Fairfield County
Change Underscores School’s Commitment to Partnering with All Districts in Fairfield County in Support of Students with Exceptionalities Feb. 18, 2020 (Norwalk, CT) — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), [...]
Catapult Learning Schools Group Changes Name to Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI)
Catapult Learning Schools Group Changes Name to Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) Name Provides Clarity While Continuing to Provide Outcomes-Driven Services for Children and their Families November 18, 2019, [...]