As the number of students needing special education services continues to rise nationwide, a new Tucson school has opened to meet that demand.

Sierra School of Tucson began classes this fall, providing individualized instruction for students with learning and behavioral challenges. The school is operated by Special Education Services Inc. and is the company’s sixth campus in Arizona.

According to SESI’s website, the organization provides education services for K-12 students who require additional academic or behavioral support. Its schools focus on small classes and personalized instruction aimed at preparing students for school and life beyond the classroom.

In the 2021 school year, about 15% of the K-12 population, roughly 7.3 million students, received special education services, nearly double the number reported in 1976, according to Education Week. Arizona currently has 144 special education schools, according to Cause IQ.

Unlike traditional schools, SESI campuses are led by directors rather than principals. Sierra School Director Katherine Melendez had been working with SESI in Tucson for a year and a half before taking on her current role.

Melendez said the school was opened to meet local demand, noting that many Tucson families had been seeking more educational options for students with specialized needs.

“This is a private day school. It's more designed for special learning and behavior needs,” she told Tucson Spotlight. “We have the space to accommodate more students while keeping classes small and providing personalized support.”

Education at Sierra School goes beyond academics, incorporating life skills aimed at helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

To enroll, the school is first contacted by the student’s district. A tour is arranged for the student and family, who then decide whether to enroll.

Enrollment for the upcoming school year began on July 3. The school already has 15 students enrolled, a handful pending, and room for more. Sierra School plans to offer three specialized learning pathways to address different student needs: “Spark,” “Spring,” and “Bloom.”

The “Spark” pathway serves students with strong academic potential but behavioral or emotional challenges. “Spring” is designed for students who benefit from structured routines, repetition, and visual supports, including those with learning disabilities, autism, or communication delays. “Bloom” serves students with significant cognitive or physical impairments who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, providing close support in communication, transitions, and self-care.

“With small class sizes and a dedicated team of educators, therapists, and support staff, we’re able to build meaningful relationships with students and their families,” said Lenora King, another SESI school director. "Families can enroll directly, and we partner with local school districts to ensure students get the support they need in the most appropriate setting.”

Melendez said opening the Tucson campus has gone smoothly, with the main challenge being preparing classrooms and furniture in time for students, a task she credited her team for completing.

“Our main goal is to help students return to their district, graduate, and gain the skills to continue thriving in life,” Melendez said.

Sarah Arellano is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at saraharellano@arizona.edu.

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