Q: What ages are your students?
A: Aseltine is certified to serve students in kindergarten through high school graduation.
Q: Do you take kids with behavior issues?
A: Yes. Many of our students have had histories of behavior issues at their previous schools. We have found that our emphasis on conflict resolution and problem-solving skills is particularly effective at helping students with behavior issues learn to master the tools they need to begin controlling their emotions so that they can behave in a productive, thoughtful manner.
Q: What are the structure and size of your classes?
A: Aseltine offers specific skills instruction and remediation in small groups or on an individualized basis. Students are assigned to a homeroom, but will generally also attend class in other rooms taught by other teachers based on subject matter. Aseltine groups students in a variety of ways, depending on content area and each student’s need, level of academic skill, commitment to academics, and social skill development. Classes generally have between 5 and 15 students. The average class has about 12 students, and has at least one teacher and one classroom aide. The number of staff per room varies depending on student need.
Q: Do students wear uniforms?
A: No, Aseltine does not require students to wear a uniform; however, Aseltine does enforce a dress code. All students and their parents/guardians are informed of the dress code prior to their enrollment. If a student violates the dress code they have the option to cover up, replace, or remove (if appropriate) the offending article or they will be sent home for the day. For more details on the dress code, please contact the school at (619) 296-2135.
Q: Do students receive high school diplomas when they graduate from Aseltine?
A: Students who complete all academic requirements to earn a diploma will receive a diploma from their home school district when they graduate from Aseltine.
Q: What is a non-public school?
A: Non-public schools serve children who cannot be adequately served in special education settings in public schools. School districts refer students once they have determined that their own in-house programs do not adequately meet the students’ needs. Referring school districts pay tuition and transportation costs for students referred to non-public schools.
Q: How do students qualify for education in a non-public school?
A: Every student placed in a non-public school must qualify for special education services as detailed in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Each student’s IEP, designed and agreed upon by an IEP team, details the student’s needs and determines appropriate instruction and services to meet those needs.
The IEP team includes, at minimum, the student’s parent or guardian, the student’s teacher, and a representative of the referring school district. Others who may have special expertise in the students’ specific disability and circumstance such as a social worker, probation officer, speech and language therapist, or school psychologist may also attend IEP meetings.
Only if the IEP team determines that the public school system can not provide adequate programs and services to meet the students’ educational needs will the student then be referred to a non-public school. These students have exceptional learning, behavioral, or physical handicapping conditions that interfere with their educational progress. Typical handicapping conditions include: severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, developmental disabilities, autism, speech and language impairment, or other health impairment.
Q: What does it mean for a student to be “emotionally disturbed”?
A: Students who have been identified as “emotionally disturbed” under Federal Handicapping Codes suffer from severe, pervasive or chronic emotional issues that prevent them from performing everyday tasks. These students often have an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory or health factors, have difficulty establishing or maintaining relationships, suffer from a pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression, display inappropriate behavior and/or feelings in normal situations, and have a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears as a result of their personal or school problems. These symptoms often interfere with students’ academic performance and they may require special attention and diverse teaching methods to succeed in the classroom.
Q: How are non-public schools held accountable?
A: Non-public schools are regulated by the California Department of Education. The State requires schools requesting certification as “non-public” to undergo an initial certification review and on-site visit. Every 4 years the State conducts an on-site review of the non-public school as a condition of re-certification. The State may also conduct surprise reviews any time at their discretion.
In addition, individual districts, SELPAs, and COEs are empowered to include quality and outcome accountability stipulations in their individual contracts with non-public schools. Parents, children’s educational representatives, and local educational agency personnel may also visit non-public school sites at any time.
All non-public schools in California must follow the standard State curriculum for each grade level, tailored to the needs, strengths and capacity of each student, as detailed in their IEP.
Q: How do I enroll my student?
A: If you are interested in enrolling your student, please call Aseltine’s Family/Student Services Co-Coordinator Kim Groulx at (619) 296-2135 ext. 109 and she will be happy to answer your questions and schedule a tour for you and your student.
Q: How can I help?
A: State funding for special education – which has remained frozen since 2005 – only covers about 73% of Aseltine’s budget. You can help by donating, spreading the word, designating Aseltine as your charity of choice on your rewards and club cards through eScrip or the company’s website, volunteering – in the classroom or in the office, attending the Festival of the Arts, the summer café, or other school events, or stopping by for a tour. Please call or email Development Assistant Gwen Weil at (619) 296-2135 ext. 120 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule a visit or if you have any other questions on how you can help.