Educational Services of America (ESA) is the nation’s
leading provider of Pre-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 260 public
school districts in 23 states to serve 12,000 students
each year in more than 160 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 three service divisions—Early Autism Project (EAP), Ombudsman Educational Services and Spectrum Center Schools and Programs.
Early Autism Project
Early Autism Project (EAP) is a leading provider of home-, clinic- and
school-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children who
have autism and are aged 20 months to 21 years. Working in close
collaboration with parents and education professionals, EAP develops
customized ABA therapy programs and equips each child’s home, clinic or
school team with the training and supervision necessary for
high-quality, consistent teaching and behavioral intervention. For more
than 10 years, EAP has offered intensive, research-based behavioral
treatment that yields best outcomes for children.
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, more than 80 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 260 public school districts in 23 states to serve 12,000 students each year in more than 160 schools and programs.
