Educational Services of America (ESA) is the nation’s
leading provider of K-12 alternative and special education schools and programs
for students who are at risk of dropping out and for students with special
needs. We partner with more than 240 public
school districts in 22 states and the District of Columbia to serve 12,000 students
each year in more than 170 schools and programs.
Mission
ESA’s mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based
educational services for non-traditional learners in collaboration with
families and public school districts.
Structure
As a private company, ESA has access to capital and other
resources that allow it to focus on educating students in the most effective,
efficient way possible without having to divert attention and resources to
ongoing fund raising. It has used its
financial strength to grow quality programs through public school partnerships and
expand its platform through strategic acquisitions.
Strategic Service
Areas
ESA operates two service divisions—Ombudsman Educational Services
and Spectrum Center Schools
and Programs.
Ombudsman Educational Services
Many public school districts partner with Ombudsman to provide alternative
programs for dropout prevention and credit recovery. Ombudsman students are at risk
of not graduating because they may have missed too many school days, lack credits,
or have academic challenges or adult responsibilities that keep them from being
successful in a traditional school environment. Nationwide, 85 percent of
Ombudsman students graduate, earn necessary credits or return to their district
school closer to or at grade level. This number is significant, as many Ombudsman students are considered at risk when entering the program.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs
ESA also operates Spectrum Center Schools and
Programs. This division serves children and young adults aged five to 22
who have autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, emotional
disturbances, behavioral challenges or other special needs. Spectrum provides
supplemental special education to public schools by operating nonpublic schools
for students with special needs, as well as special education classrooms within
public school buildings.
The growth in each of these service areas reflects a
national increase in the demand for alternative and special needs education
programming. With increased awareness of special needs, higher diagnosis rates
and the heightened interest among public school systems to provide special
programs, demand for ESA’s strategic service areas continues to grow.
Locations
We partner with more than 240 public school districts in 22 states and the District of Columbia to serve 12,000 students each year in more than 170 schools and programs.
